1 item ([1] leaf) ; 55 x 47 cm.

Aramaic; Hebrew

In Aramaic and Hebrew.

Purchased from Vinograd and Rosenfeld on the Arthur D. Krom Fund, 2008.

Marriage contract, manuscript, ink and paint on paper, dated the 17th of Elul, 5657 (1897) at Herat. The calligraphic text of this ketubah is set within a delicately decorated border. Above the text is an arcade of five scalloped and pointed arches. Three of the arches contain vases with red roses, and two contain a citation from Isaiah 61:10. Below the text is a long rectangular box which contains the signature of five witnesses. Along the border are blessings to the bride and groom which begin with the word "siman" a sign, e.g. a sign of blessing, a sign of joy, a sign of glory, etc. The text is written in block letters. The entire ketubah is enclosed in a red painted panel. Herat ketubot often have an additional line at the conclusion of the text. In this ketubah it states: "May they be fruitful and multiply with children and sustenance in the community of Israel, and may we be privileged [to see] the coming of the Redeemer in the merit of Moses, Aaron and Samuel.

Archives or Manuscripts / Images

December 22, 2008

Ketubah, Herat, Afghanistan, 1897 September 14. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Ketubah, Herat, Afghanistan, 1897 September 14. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Ketubahs - Afghanistan - Herat - 19th century.