Bidspirit auction | The Parma Psalter - Elaborate

The Parma Psalter - Elaborate Facsimile, London 1996. - An elaborate Facsimile of the Parma Tehillim (Italy 13th century), produced by Facsimile Editions, London 1996. With companion volume, housed in a marbled slipcase.  Of all medieval Hebrew Tehillims, this manuscript is one of the earliest and most important to survive. This masterfully illuminated book of Psalms was written in about 1280, probably in Emilia in Northern Italy. Its 452 pages are written in clear, large vocalized Hebrew. Each psalm is illuminated and numbered, and many are illustrated with musical instruments or with scenes described in the text – extraordinary for a Hebrew manuscript of the period, and proof that it was entirely the work of Jewish hands. Only a wealthy patron could have commissioned so lavish and tasteful a manuscript; and the presence of Ibn Ezra’s commentary suggests that he was also well-educated. Early copies of Abraham Ibn Ezra’s great commentary on Psalms are rare, and the one in this manuscript records many wordings not to be found in other versions. A joy to hold, this facsimile will serve as a constant reminder of the rich legacy of medieval Jewish scholarship and artistic patronage. The manuscript also contains the ceremonies for engagements, marriages, circumcisions and funerals, as well as for the end of a Sabbath followed by a Festival, times at which Psalms were especially recited. For more information, see: https://facsimile-editions.com/pp/ [452] pp.