Six illustrated leaves from a Siddur. Handwritten on very thick parchment-like paper. Italy, 19th century.
Impressive colorful illustrations of the Ark of the Covenant, harp, basket and more, with decorated headings and frames. Both the handwriting and the characteristics of the illustration attest to Italy as the source of the pages.
The frames of the pages are in the Rococo style which indicates that the work is from the 19th century, as that style was almost completely unused by the Jews prior to that time.
Illustrated manuscripts of Siddurim from that time are rare as there was no reason to create fancy manuscripts at a time when printing was advanced and relatively cheap. Apparently these leaves were part of a complete Siddur, which was given as a gift.
The leaves are from: Erev Shabbat Mincha, Arvit, Shacharit, Tikkun HaGesher, Mincha, Mi Kamocha.
[6] leaves, 41.5 cm. Fair condition. Many stains. The leaves have been badly damaged and have undergone professional and detailed restoration. Significant signs of repair are on all pages as well as on the illustrations. Leather binding.