Esther Scroll in Italian Silver Filigree Case

The Megillat Esther is the scroll of the Book of Esther, read publicly at Purim to commemorate the salvation of the Jews of Persia. Unlike the Torah scroll, it may be illustrated and, for private use, is often kept in a cylindrical case with a crank that allows it to be unrolled. In Italy, such cases are frequently crafted in open-work silver filigree, topped with a finial, and house a parchment itself illuminated with borders, porticoes, and scenes from the narrative. These Italian megillot bear witness to the taste of the communities of the peninsula for the ornamentation of Purim objects, a festival at which splendor is fitting.