Manuscript - Large-Format Machzor for a Chazan - Asti, Foano and Moncalvo Rites - For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur ...

Manuscript - Large-Format Machzor for a Chazan - Asti, Foano and Moncalvo Rites - For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - Asti, Italy, 1733
Manuscript, machzor for use by the chazzan - Asti, Foano and Moncalvo rites, for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. [Asti, Italy], 1733.
Large-format manuscript, vowelized Italian Hebrew square script, on thick high-quality paper. Enlarged initials; words, instructions and titles decorated with curly floral ornaments.
Lacking title page, however it left ink traces on the preceding blank leaf. These traces have a legible imprint stating that the manuscript was written in Asti. Colophon on last leaf: "The work was completed on Tuesday, Parshat Korach, 26 of the month of Sivan, 1733".
Contains prayers for Rosh Hashanah and for Yom Kippur, with version and piyyutim unique to the Asti, Foano and Moncalvo tradition, such as Seder HaAvodah by the poet Yossi ben Yossi.
The Jewish communities of Asti, Foano and Moncalvo were established by French expatriates who settled in the Piemonte region in Italy after the French expulsion in the 14th century. Most of the French expatriates adopted the prayer rites of their new places of residence and only the Jews of these three communities continued their past tradition thereby preserving the ancient French prayer rites. The French version is somewhat similar to the Ashkenazi rites, but differs in the version of prayer and has unique piyyutim. This version, called "Afam (Asti Foano Moncalvo) version" was never printed and only survives in ancient manuscripts.
Large volume. 2-105, 105-191 leaves. Approximately 29 cm. Good-fair condition. High-quality thick paper. Stains, some leaves have dark stains. Some loose or detached leaves. Several leaves have tears from ink-erosion (partially affecting text). Contemporary leather binding, slightly damaged.