This is a page from an unidentified Judeo-Persian (Jewish Persian dialect written in Hebrew letters) manuscript. The illustration is of a dragon that appears to be chasing a worried horseback rider. The finely done script contrasts with the relatively crude painting. Ink and gouache on a thin wove paper. We are uncertain of the date. The condition of the page is poor with obvious water stains throughout, and some tape stains from poorly repaired tears. The charming image is, however, largely untouched. The page is mounted in an acid free mat.

leaf size: height - 11 1/2"; width 7 1/2"

An illuminated unidentified manuscript sheet that depicts a battle scene and has Judeo-Persian text on both sides. (Judeo-Persian has a relationship to Pharsee that is similar to the relationship of Yiddish to German.) While it is difficult to date this sheet precisely, this appears to be from a 19th or earlier 20th century copy of a much older manuscript. The text and image are in black ink and gouache. The condition is poor. There are paper losses on the corners and the lower bottom edge. There are small tears around the edges and two repairs with inappropriate tape that has resulted in stains on the right and left edges. Finally there are a few stains that do not affect the image. In spite of all the weaknesses, the image is bright and fresh. The piece will be shipped flat and in an acid-free mat.

approximate sheet size - 18" x 8 3/4"

This is a manuscript sheet taken from a 19th century copy of the Judeo-Persian biblical epic Shoftim namah composed originally in 1692 by Aharon b. Mashiah. This manuscript is a versification of The Book of Judges. The image depicts an unidentified battle. There is Judeo-Persian text on the reverse side as well. (Judeo-Persian has a relationship to Pharsee that is similar to the relationship of Yiddish to German.) The condition of the sheet is poor with tape repairs (and their attendant stains), additional tears on the edges, losses on the right and lower left edges, pencil marks, and dirt stains. The image itself is, however, in relatively good condition with bright, clean colors and minor scrapes. The piece will be shipped flat and in an acid-free mat.

sheet size - 12 1/2" x 8 1/4"

image size 15" x 8 ˝

The blessings over the Chanukah candles are accompanied/dominated by an architecturally complex chanukiah with gold candles and gold trim. This fanciful chanukiah is painted on parchment with ink, watercolor, gold paste and pencil. Signed (Reuven Benaja) and dated (Siena 5758), it is in excellent condition and will be sent in an acid free mat.

image dimensions: height - 15"; width - 8 5/8"