A ketubbah (“writ”) is a pre-nuptual contract that specifies many of a groom’s obligations to his bride in the event of divorce or the death of the husband. Rooted in ancient traditions, the ketubbah, the purpose of which is to protect a woman’s interests, was for much of its history a genuine contract, the specifics of which could be modified for individual relationships; eventually, though, the formula of the ketubbah was standardized.  

This decorated ketubbah from San’a is the only known 18th-century Yemenite contract ornamented with an architectural frame—a motif common on ketubbot since the earliest examples from the Cairo Genizah. The model for the ornamental architectural frame is possibly derived from the facade of an Islamic structure such as a Madrasa. The motif of facing birds (as well as dragons, tigers, or lions) is common in Islamic art. The specific design of this marriage document is most closely related to Persian ketubbot, in particular those of Isfahan.