Authored by Rabbi Abraham Abulafia (1240–after 1291)
Italy, late 13th centuryKtav sofer on genuine parchment (klaf)
Hand embellished with 24k gold,
162 pages, 18.7 × 13.7 cm (7.4 × 5.4 in.)
In medieval Spain one of the most important kabbalists was Abraham Abulafia (1240–after 1291).
Particularly important among his many works are his kabbalistic manuals, the best known of which is Chayei Haolam Hab (Life of the World to Come). It is also known as Sefer ha-Shem (Book of the [Divine] Name), Sefer haiggulim (Book of Circles), or, Sefer haShem haMeforash (Book of the Ineffable Name). This work contains illustrations of ten circles executed in red and black ink and 128 slightly different circles executed in black, which are, in fact, detailed instructions for mystical meditation.