Ketubbah from Tehran

Unknown artist

Ketubbah

Illuminated manuscript on paper

Tehran, 1913

Ketubbot (singular: ketubbah) are standard Jewish marriage contracts that often feature intricate designs.This ketubbah from Tehran is a fascinating example of the influence of Islamic decorative traditions on Jewish art in Iran (then Persia). Elaborate ketubbot integrating elements of the Persian tradition were very popular in the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century. These illuminated Jewish marriage agreements were found primarily in the centers of the major Jewish communities in the region, such as Hamadan, Isfahan, Kashan, Meshed, Tehran, and Yazd. Among different types of fine ketubbot belonging to Persian Jews, this smaller booklet form, usually containing six or eight leaves, constitutes a distinctive category prevalent primarily in Tehran in the first half of the 20th century. The Muslim marriage contracts of the same kind gained popularity in this region earlier, in the second half of the 19th century. 

Two rectangular pages of this booklet ketubbah showcase two near-symmetrical panels that are meticulously hand-painted. They are adorned with miniature ornaments reminiscent of sophisticated designs of Oriental carpets. The vibrantly colored panels are generously illuminated with gilt. The rectangular and oval shapes placed within the panels are embellished along their borders. Inside the main, vertical rectangles are floral panels resembling medallions or amulets.    

The text of the panels contains superscriptions that precede the actual marriage contract, serving as its introduction. They are positioned within the smaller rectangles beneath the floral panels and contain a range of traditional Hebrew quotations pertinent to the marriage celebration.

The wedding, which took place on Thursday, 5 Tamuz, 5673 (July 10, 1913), tied the knot between groom Daṿid ben Babai ben Shelomah and bride Iran bat Yaʻakov.