Sefer ha-Cheshek, a book of charms, amulets and practical Kabbalah based on the magical applications of the Divine Name, probably composed in the same milieu that produced the book Berit Menuchah.
With illustrative angel’s alphabets and diagrams.
Ashkenazic semi-cursive script. Manuscript on paper. 18.5 Cm.
According to the colophon at the end it was completed on 9 Adar 5411 (= 1651).
[1], 1-30. 60 written sides.
Another copy of this work was described in detail by G. Scholem in his corrections to G. Margoliouth’s catalogue of the Hebrew manuscripts in the British Museum, in Festschrift fr Aron Freimann (Berlin 1935) p. 51-54. According to Scholem, Perakim le-Toledot Sifrut ha-Kabbalah (Jerusalem 1931) p. 84, note 1, this work ends on fol. 61. Fols. 20r-30r contain additional material of similar content quoting, among others, R. Eleazar ben Judah of Worms (fol. 21r) and R. Simeon Sarfati (fol. 26v).
Overall Good condition. stains, title page and first page have marginal tears not affecting text, last seven pages have small tears at corners, some pages have small marginal tears not affecting text, new later tan brown leather binding.
PROVENANCE: Daniel Itzig (stamped). Christies, 23 June 1999, Sale of important Hebrew Manuscripts & printed books from the library of the London Beth Din, lot 40. (Where it made $2990, together with our previous lot)
REFERENCES: Neubauer, no. 91, p. 39.
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