Seder Birkat ha-Mazon u-Birkot ha-Nehenin…ve-Tikkun Kriyat Shema Al ha-Mitah (Grace After Meals, and Occasional Blessings …), Central Europe: ca. 1740

17 folios (4 7/8 x 3 in.; 125 x 75 mm). Written in brown ink on vellum in square Hebrew script with nikkud (vowel points), instructions written in Yiddish and Hebrew in smaller semi-cursive script without nikkud; lightly soiled on outer margins with minor stains throughout, pigment slightly abraded. Elaborately tooled contemporary dyed vellum.

This miniature book of prayers exemplifies the works produced by a cadre of talented Jewish scribe/artists during the eighteenth-century renaissance of decorated Hebrew manuscripts. The revival began in Vienna around 1712 and within a short period of time, spread throughout Central and Western Europe. These manuscripts were produced at the behest of wealthy Court Jews, who enjoyed a privileged status as a result of the services they rendered to the kings and princes of Europe. Miniature volumes such as the present lot, containing a variety of Hebrew prayers and blessings, were especially prized. They were frequently commissioned by grooms and presented to their brides on the occasion of their marriage. Delicately wrought artistic creations, they provided the perfect blend of clear and eminently readable Hebrew and Yiddish text, with pleasing decorations and illustrations. 

The present volume is embellished with a decorated title page, two initial word panels and two text illustrations: Title text set within an architectural framework; Fol. 2r: Decorated initial word panel set in an elaborate scrolled cartouche; Fol. 3r: Two miniatures accompany the additional texts recited on Hanukkah and Purim: the first, a man lighting a menorah; the second, the hanging of Haman's sons; Fol. 14r: Decorated initial word panel with floral wreath surmounted by a winged cherub.