Presenting an exceptional Mid-Century vintage Israeli olive wood Megillah case (Scroll of Esther container), beautifully hand-turned and intricately carved with historical motifs of the Old City of Jerusalem. This striking ceremonial object features iconic relief carving paired with traditional pyrography (wood-burned details), showcasing the expert craftsmanship associated with mid-20th-century Israeli artisan workshops.

Artistry & Design Elements

The body of the cylindrical case features a prominent, deeply carved architectural band depicting the Western Wall (Kotel), complete with individual stone courses, a stylized structure, and a texturing technique that beautifully replicates historic masonry.

Directly above this bas-relief scene, the Hebrew word for Jerusalem, ירושלים (Yerushalayim), is cleanly incised into the smooth satin-finished wood. The cap and base are accented with intricate geometric bandings, repeating arcades, and stylized accents achieved through meticulous hand-applied pyrography.

Construction & Materials

Crafted from native Israeli olive wood, the case displays a highly desirable golden-honey hue and tight, expressive grain structures. It utilizes a two-piece slip-cap assembly. The removable top cap fits snugly onto a carved interior lip, revealing a clean, unlined wooden interior perfect for storing and preserving a parchment megillah scroll. The interior base of the cap features a deep-green velvet or velour padding disc to gently buffer the scroll's spindle, and the exterior bottom is protected by matching green protective felt.

Provenance Note

This fine piece was previously sourced from J. Greenstein & Co., the premier auction house specializing in rare and antique Judaica, ensuring its aesthetic merit and authentic cultural heritage.

Reference

• Book Title: Bezalel Jerusalem: An Important Collection of Olivewood and Other Objects, Metalwork and Ephemera

• Author: Chaya Benjamin

• Contextual Reference: For similar examples of Israeli hand-carved olive wood containers featuring architectural views of the Holy Sites and pyrographic detailing produced by Bezalel and contemporary Jerusalem workshops, see comparable mid-century ceremonial objects cataloged on Page 42 and surrounding plates.

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an exceptionally clean, untouched "as-found" original finish and rich, natural honey patina.

• Woodwork: The grain remains vibrant with no structural splits, heavy gouges, or warping. Minor, negligible surface scuffs from historic handling consistent with age.

• Fittings: The slip cap fits securely and squarely onto the inner channel.

• Interior & Base Felt: Clean, intact, vibrant green velvet padding inside the cap and green protective felt on the bottom face.

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