Ketubah : Rome, Italy, 1817, October 15

Marriage contract, manuscript, ink and paint on vellum, dated 5th of Hesvan 5578 at Roma (1817). Micrography surrounding the text includes biblical passages and prayers relating to marriage. There is additional text in the borders written in larger Italian block letters, which consists of further bibilical quotations relating to blessings for the bride and groom as well as blessings that relate to the patriarchs and the matriarchs. The micrography within the inner and outer border form diamond shaped sections, which contain elaborate floral designs. The ornamented cartouches above and below the text include both scenes and playful ditties relating to love and courtship. The day of the week of the wedding is written in large gilded letters in the center of the document. The scalloped bottom is typical of ketubot from Rome.