Esther Scroll and Case

18th century
Not on view
This cylindrical shaped case presents scenes from the story of Esther and protects a parchment scroll with the full text of the Book of Esther. The surface is enveloped by figurative scenes and rich ornamental decoration. Traditionally the story of Esther is read aloud in the synagogue during the holiday of Purim, and members of the congregation can follow the text with their own personal scroll or book. The gold case is a testament to the status of a wealthy patron, perhaps on the occasion of a wedding.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Esther Scroll and Case
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Gold, white metal; ink on parchment
  • Dimensions: case confirmed: 10 7/8 × 1 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (27.6 × 3.2 × 3.2 cm)
    scroll confirmed: 3 3/16 × 97 3/4 in. (8.1 × 248.3 cm)
  • Classifications: Judaica, Metalwork-Gold and Platinum
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jane and Stuart Weitzman, in honor of Oscar L. Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang, 2025
  • Object Number: 2025.335a, b
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.