Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 73 - 84 of 116
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Unsold
Collection of Jewish garments. Bukhara, [early 20th century].
1-4. Four overcoats for men – Djoma shohi-yi awr, in a robe-like shape, made of colorful silk.
5-6. Two shawls / headdresses - Rumoli pulaktcha. White cotton tulle, embroidered with silvery sequins – Pulaktcha. These shawls were used mainly as ceremonial headdresses for brides. One shawl is decorated with Stars of David and a Hamsa; another shawl with Stars of David, Hamsas, crescents, kettles and cups, birds and Menorahs.
7. A belt for men – Takhband, made of Burgundy colored velvet with silver plaques and a silver buckle, decorated with Niello in floral patterns.
8. Trousers made of colorful silk and cotton.
9. Headdress for women - Kallapushak or Kulupta.
10-16. Seven pieces of colorful silk.
Total of 16 items. Sizes and conditions vary. One coat is damaged.
1-4. Four overcoats for men – Djoma shohi-yi awr, in a robe-like shape, made of colorful silk.
5-6. Two shawls / headdresses - Rumoli pulaktcha. White cotton tulle, embroidered with silvery sequins – Pulaktcha. These shawls were used mainly as ceremonial headdresses for brides. One shawl is decorated with Stars of David and a Hamsa; another shawl with Stars of David, Hamsas, crescents, kettles and cups, birds and Menorahs.
7. A belt for men – Takhband, made of Burgundy colored velvet with silver plaques and a silver buckle, decorated with Niello in floral patterns.
8. Trousers made of colorful silk and cotton.
9. Headdress for women - Kallapushak or Kulupta.
10-16. Seven pieces of colorful silk.
Total of 16 items. Sizes and conditions vary. One coat is damaged.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $3,125
Including buyer's premium
A bride's dress, known as "The Grand Costume" [El-Keswa El Kbira / Barbariska]. Tangier, Morocco, [late 19th century / early 20th century].
The exquisite garments known as "El-Keswa El Kbira" – "The Grand Costume" – were brought to Morocco by Spanish Jews who settled in the north of the country. The costume was worn by brides on their wedding day and on festive occasions and holidays.
The costume consists of four parts: a wraparound skirt, a waistcoat, a plastron, and a belt, made of burgundy colored velvet adorned with golden thread embroideries and gold ribbons.
· The skirt is called Zeltita (from the Spanish word giraldeta meaning "around"). It is made of several parts, attached to each other as a fan. It is adorned with golden ribbons and golden embroidery, with two pockets embroidered with the initials "J.B." in golden threads. Width of skirt at its lower part is approx. 260X108 cm.
· The waistcoat called "Gombaz", is with short sleeves. Decorated with rich embroidery with golden threads in vegetal and floral patterns, with two birds in front. Approx. 57X77 cm.
· The plastron, cut as a “Talith Katan”, called in Arabic “Katef” and in Spanish “Punta” is decorated with golden embroidery in vegetal patterns. This is considered the most precious and splendid part of the costume and therefore is adorned with outstanding embroidery. Approx. 54X40 cm.
· The belt (ezam) is made of fabric embroidered with golden threads, ending with green threads bound with gold and silver threads and silver sequins.
Overall fair-good condition. Damages to velvet. Tears and damages.
Literature:
1. Life of Jews in Morocco, (Hebrew), Aviva Moler-Lanzet (editor). The Israel Museum, 1983 (2nd edition), pp. 200-203.
2. Morocco, Jews and Art in a Muslim Land, Vivian B. Mann, (editor), Published by Merrell and the Jewish Museum in New-York, 2000, pp. 134-136, 174-176.
The exquisite garments known as "El-Keswa El Kbira" – "The Grand Costume" – were brought to Morocco by Spanish Jews who settled in the north of the country. The costume was worn by brides on their wedding day and on festive occasions and holidays.
The costume consists of four parts: a wraparound skirt, a waistcoat, a plastron, and a belt, made of burgundy colored velvet adorned with golden thread embroideries and gold ribbons.
· The skirt is called Zeltita (from the Spanish word giraldeta meaning "around"). It is made of several parts, attached to each other as a fan. It is adorned with golden ribbons and golden embroidery, with two pockets embroidered with the initials "J.B." in golden threads. Width of skirt at its lower part is approx. 260X108 cm.
· The waistcoat called "Gombaz", is with short sleeves. Decorated with rich embroidery with golden threads in vegetal and floral patterns, with two birds in front. Approx. 57X77 cm.
· The plastron, cut as a “Talith Katan”, called in Arabic “Katef” and in Spanish “Punta” is decorated with golden embroidery in vegetal patterns. This is considered the most precious and splendid part of the costume and therefore is adorned with outstanding embroidery. Approx. 54X40 cm.
· The belt (ezam) is made of fabric embroidered with golden threads, ending with green threads bound with gold and silver threads and silver sequins.
Overall fair-good condition. Damages to velvet. Tears and damages.
Literature:
1. Life of Jews in Morocco, (Hebrew), Aviva Moler-Lanzet (editor). The Israel Museum, 1983 (2nd edition), pp. 200-203.
2. Morocco, Jews and Art in a Muslim Land, Vivian B. Mann, (editor), Published by Merrell and the Jewish Museum in New-York, 2000, pp. 134-136, 174-176.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
A collection of approx. 130 photographs of Jews from Pakistan (Quetta), Bukhara and Uzbekistan (Tashkent and other cities). [Early through mid 20th century].
Among the photographs are group photographs and studio portrait photographs; some portray the photographed in traditional costumes while others portray the photographed wearing modern clothes; a photograph which was printed on a German postcards in early 20th century titled "A Jewish young boy from Bukhara" (two copies); large photographs of families from Pakistan and Uzbekistan, during various ceremonies and festive occasions; a large photograph of Jews in traditional costumes with a Torah scroll; group photograph of Ahron Pinhassoff's Bar-Mitzva, Quetta, April 1946; two particularly large photographs of Rabbis (40X50 cm; 60X46 cm); Two photo-albums, including about 110 photographs that were taken after the arrival of the families (owners of the photographs) to Eretz Israel, ca. 1946. Some of the photographs in the albums portray Jews in traditional Bukharin costumes, on various occasions. Enclosed are several photographs taken in London, mid 1940s. Some photographs are titled or bear a dedication on the reverse.
Size and condition vary. Approx. 5X8 cm (in photo-albums) to 60X46 cm. About 20 photographs are mounted on cardboard or on paper, some are in fair-poor condition.
Among the photographs are group photographs and studio portrait photographs; some portray the photographed in traditional costumes while others portray the photographed wearing modern clothes; a photograph which was printed on a German postcards in early 20th century titled "A Jewish young boy from Bukhara" (two copies); large photographs of families from Pakistan and Uzbekistan, during various ceremonies and festive occasions; a large photograph of Jews in traditional costumes with a Torah scroll; group photograph of Ahron Pinhassoff's Bar-Mitzva, Quetta, April 1946; two particularly large photographs of Rabbis (40X50 cm; 60X46 cm); Two photo-albums, including about 110 photographs that were taken after the arrival of the families (owners of the photographs) to Eretz Israel, ca. 1946. Some of the photographs in the albums portray Jews in traditional Bukharin costumes, on various occasions. Enclosed are several photographs taken in London, mid 1940s. Some photographs are titled or bear a dedication on the reverse.
Size and condition vary. Approx. 5X8 cm (in photo-albums) to 60X46 cm. About 20 photographs are mounted on cardboard or on paper, some are in fair-poor condition.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $7,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Samaritan Torah scroll. [Nablus, 20th century].
Handwritten on large paper sheets, glued together; rolled as a scroll. 156 columns.
Written by Joseph ben Ab Chisda Hacohen of Nablus.
The text of the Samaritan Pentateuch, containing the five books of the Torah, is mostly similar to the Masoretic Text, but there are some variations in the spelling of words or grammatical constructions, and some significant changes, such as the Samaritan commandment to construct an altar on Mount Gerizim. The Samaritan Pentateuch is written in an ancient Hebrew script that preceded the Assyrian [square] script.
Height: 48 cm. Overall good condition. Some tears. Restorations with adhesive tape at the beginning and in the end.
Handwritten on large paper sheets, glued together; rolled as a scroll. 156 columns.
Written by Joseph ben Ab Chisda Hacohen of Nablus.
The text of the Samaritan Pentateuch, containing the five books of the Torah, is mostly similar to the Masoretic Text, but there are some variations in the spelling of words or grammatical constructions, and some significant changes, such as the Samaritan commandment to construct an altar on Mount Gerizim. The Samaritan Pentateuch is written in an ancient Hebrew script that preceded the Assyrian [square] script.
Height: 48 cm. Overall good condition. Some tears. Restorations with adhesive tape at the beginning and in the end.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $6,000
Unsold
Kiddush goblet. [20th century].
Gold, 18 karat (marked).
The Hebrew inscription "Zachor et Yom HaShabbath Lekodsho" [remember the Sabbath] is engraved by the rim. Adorned with engraved vegetal and geometric patterns.
Height: 12 cm, rim diameter: 6.5 cm. Weight: 159 gram. Good condition.
Gold, 18 karat (marked).
The Hebrew inscription "Zachor et Yom HaShabbath Lekodsho" [remember the Sabbath] is engraved by the rim. Adorned with engraved vegetal and geometric patterns.
Height: 12 cm, rim diameter: 6.5 cm. Weight: 159 gram. Good condition.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $50,000
Sold for: $62,500
Including buyer's premium
Cast ceramic plaque, depicting Prof. Otto Warburg in profile, created by Boris Schatz. Signed and titled. [Berlin, 1905].
Mounted in a repousée brass frame, designed by Ze’ev Raban, head of the repousée department of “Bezalel” and by the department’s craftsmen, for Prof. Warburg’s 70th birthday in 1929.
On top of the frame - a vignette depicting the biblical artisan Bezalel Ben Uri, builder of the temple, sitting in front of the ark, the sun shining behind him, all surrounded by images of branches, pomegranates and flowers. The margins are decorated with Menorahs, with an engraved inscription: “From Bezalel to our President – Prof. O. Warburg”.
A long Hebrew inscription appears on the lower part of the frame: “Bnei Bezalel, its director, teachers, staff, students, artists and workers present you, our president, for your seventieth birthday, with this present, wishing you a long and good life, and the ability to revive Bezalel, to bring joy to your heart and benefit to Eretz Israel and the people of Israel”.
On the right and left appear two twisted pillars, with stylized Menorahs on their bases; topped with a depiction of “Bezalel” buildings surrounded by two snakes with their tongues sticking out.
The plaque was created by Schatz in 1905, when he stayed in Berlin (with Ephraim Moshe Lilien) in order to use the famous foundry “H. Gladenbeck & Sohn” for some of his work. Lilien introduced him to Dr. Franz Oppenheimer, a Zionist activist and supporter of cooperative settlement, and the latter introduced Schatz to Otto Warburg (1859-1938), a professor of Botany, expert on colonization matters and later the third president of the Zionist Organization. The two supported with enthusiasm Schatz’s initiative to found an art academy in Jerusalem and promoted the idea of “Bezalel”. Prof. Warburg was elected to serve as the head of the executive committee of “Bezalel”, and to mark this appointment, Schatz created the plaque offered here.
In 1929, following several severe financial problems, “Bezalel” was closed (until the reopening of the “New Bezalel” in 1935). Three years later Schatz passed away.
The plaque offered here is one of the last works created in “Bezalel” during the crisis of the school, and it supplies evidence as to the dire condition of the institute and the persistent attempts of Schatz to revive it: this is evident in the dedication hoping to revive “Bezalel” and in the unique allegoric depiction, of poisonous snakes surrounding the school’s buildings.
Plaque: 39X26.5 cm. Some damage to lower part, restored. Frame: 68.5X39.5 cm. Good condition.
Literature:
1. The Palestine Weekly, to Bezalel on the Occasion of the 25th, Jerusalem, August 1st 1930 (photographed).
2. Bezalel by Schatz 1906-1929, exhibition catalogue (Jerusalem, 1982) P. 134 (photographed).
3. Boris Schatz, the Father of Israeli Art, (Hebrew), by Yigal Zalmona. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2006. p.74; p. 79 (photographed).
See: Sotheby’s, Judaica, Tel-Aviv, October 30, 2002, lot no. 243A.
Mounted in a repousée brass frame, designed by Ze’ev Raban, head of the repousée department of “Bezalel” and by the department’s craftsmen, for Prof. Warburg’s 70th birthday in 1929.
On top of the frame - a vignette depicting the biblical artisan Bezalel Ben Uri, builder of the temple, sitting in front of the ark, the sun shining behind him, all surrounded by images of branches, pomegranates and flowers. The margins are decorated with Menorahs, with an engraved inscription: “From Bezalel to our President – Prof. O. Warburg”.
A long Hebrew inscription appears on the lower part of the frame: “Bnei Bezalel, its director, teachers, staff, students, artists and workers present you, our president, for your seventieth birthday, with this present, wishing you a long and good life, and the ability to revive Bezalel, to bring joy to your heart and benefit to Eretz Israel and the people of Israel”.
On the right and left appear two twisted pillars, with stylized Menorahs on their bases; topped with a depiction of “Bezalel” buildings surrounded by two snakes with their tongues sticking out.
The plaque was created by Schatz in 1905, when he stayed in Berlin (with Ephraim Moshe Lilien) in order to use the famous foundry “H. Gladenbeck & Sohn” for some of his work. Lilien introduced him to Dr. Franz Oppenheimer, a Zionist activist and supporter of cooperative settlement, and the latter introduced Schatz to Otto Warburg (1859-1938), a professor of Botany, expert on colonization matters and later the third president of the Zionist Organization. The two supported with enthusiasm Schatz’s initiative to found an art academy in Jerusalem and promoted the idea of “Bezalel”. Prof. Warburg was elected to serve as the head of the executive committee of “Bezalel”, and to mark this appointment, Schatz created the plaque offered here.
In 1929, following several severe financial problems, “Bezalel” was closed (until the reopening of the “New Bezalel” in 1935). Three years later Schatz passed away.
The plaque offered here is one of the last works created in “Bezalel” during the crisis of the school, and it supplies evidence as to the dire condition of the institute and the persistent attempts of Schatz to revive it: this is evident in the dedication hoping to revive “Bezalel” and in the unique allegoric depiction, of poisonous snakes surrounding the school’s buildings.
Plaque: 39X26.5 cm. Some damage to lower part, restored. Frame: 68.5X39.5 cm. Good condition.
Literature:
1. The Palestine Weekly, to Bezalel on the Occasion of the 25th, Jerusalem, August 1st 1930 (photographed).
2. Bezalel by Schatz 1906-1929, exhibition catalogue (Jerusalem, 1982) P. 134 (photographed).
3. Boris Schatz, the Father of Israeli Art, (Hebrew), by Yigal Zalmona. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2006. p.74; p. 79 (photographed).
See: Sotheby’s, Judaica, Tel-Aviv, October 30, 2002, lot no. 243A.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,500
Unsold
A brass box created at "Bezalel". Jerusalem, [1910s].
Brass, with hammered and etched decorations. Marked: "Bezalel Yerushalem".
A depiction of the procession offering the first fruits (Bikurim), and the verse "Kumu VeNa'ale LeZion el Hashem Eloheinu" ["Let us go up to Zion to the Lord our G-od; Jermaiah 31:5] appear on the lid, within a frame depicting the seven species. The image of the procession - women, men and children marching with musical instruments and animals – is designed using a delicate combination of low relief on an etched background. Side panels are decorated with a vegetal pattern. On the front panel – the Hebrew inscription "Hava'at Bikurim Bezalel Yerushalem" ["First Fruits offering, Bezalel Jerusalem"], within a round frame. The inner side is covered with wood.
Height: 4.5 cm, width 18.8 cm, depth: 10.9 cm. Good condition.
See:
1. Early Israeli Arts and Crafts Bezalel Treasures from the Alan B. Slifka Collection in the Israel Museum, Chaya Benjamin, 2008. p. 36 (photographed).
2. Bezalel by Schatz, exhibition catalogue. Jerusalem, 1983, p. 53. Item no. 619.
Brass, with hammered and etched decorations. Marked: "Bezalel Yerushalem".
A depiction of the procession offering the first fruits (Bikurim), and the verse "Kumu VeNa'ale LeZion el Hashem Eloheinu" ["Let us go up to Zion to the Lord our G-od; Jermaiah 31:5] appear on the lid, within a frame depicting the seven species. The image of the procession - women, men and children marching with musical instruments and animals – is designed using a delicate combination of low relief on an etched background. Side panels are decorated with a vegetal pattern. On the front panel – the Hebrew inscription "Hava'at Bikurim Bezalel Yerushalem" ["First Fruits offering, Bezalel Jerusalem"], within a round frame. The inner side is covered with wood.
Height: 4.5 cm, width 18.8 cm, depth: 10.9 cm. Good condition.
See:
1. Early Israeli Arts and Crafts Bezalel Treasures from the Alan B. Slifka Collection in the Israel Museum, Chaya Benjamin, 2008. p. 36 (photographed).
2. Bezalel by Schatz, exhibition catalogue. Jerusalem, 1983, p. 53. Item no. 619.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Unsold
Two bowls, decorated with exceptional Damascene craft (brass inlaid with silver and copper), created by a "Bezalel" artisan. Jerusalem, one dated: 1911, the second probably from the same period.
1. Taller bowl. Decorated with six alternating medallions, three of them featuring the words "Bezalel," "Yerushalem" and the Jewish year 5671 [1911], and three showing an image of a five-branched Menorah.
Height: 11.5 cm, diameter of base: 13.5 cm. Good condition.
2. Shorter bowl. Decorated with eight medallions, one featuring the word "Bezalel" and the others alternating, showing a decorated Star of David or a seven-branched Menorah.
Height: 9 cm, max. diameter: 18 cm. Good condition.
Included is a letter written by Jaroslav Kuntoš, Head Curator of the Metalworks Collection at the Jewish Museum in Prague, confirming the authenticity of the two bowls.
1. Taller bowl. Decorated with six alternating medallions, three of them featuring the words "Bezalel," "Yerushalem" and the Jewish year 5671 [1911], and three showing an image of a five-branched Menorah.
Height: 11.5 cm, diameter of base: 13.5 cm. Good condition.
2. Shorter bowl. Decorated with eight medallions, one featuring the word "Bezalel" and the others alternating, showing a decorated Star of David or a seven-branched Menorah.
Height: 9 cm, max. diameter: 18 cm. Good condition.
Included is a letter written by Jaroslav Kuntoš, Head Curator of the Metalworks Collection at the Jewish Museum in Prague, confirming the authenticity of the two bowls.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,500
Unsold
A brush decorated with a silver relief and filigree ornamentations, created at "Bezalel". Jerusalem, [ca.1910s].
The back of the brush, made of wood, is covered with fine filigree work in symmetrical round patterns, with a round silver relief in its center, depicting Jacob and Rachel. Titled and marked: "Bezalel".
Length: 13.5 cm, width: 10 cm, height: 5 cm. Good condition.
For similar items see:
1. Early Israeli Arts and Crafts Bezalel Treasures from the Alan B. Slifka Collection in the Israel Museum, Chaya Benjamin, 2008. P. 28 (photographed).
2. Israel Museum collection, item no. B74.0913.
The back of the brush, made of wood, is covered with fine filigree work in symmetrical round patterns, with a round silver relief in its center, depicting Jacob and Rachel. Titled and marked: "Bezalel".
Length: 13.5 cm, width: 10 cm, height: 5 cm. Good condition.
For similar items see:
1. Early Israeli Arts and Crafts Bezalel Treasures from the Alan B. Slifka Collection in the Israel Museum, Chaya Benjamin, 2008. P. 28 (photographed).
2. Israel Museum collection, item no. B74.0913.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Copper plate, hammered (repouseé) and engraved, created by the artist Mogens Ballin. Denmark, ca. 1900. Marked on the reverse: MB (monogram), J10 / MM.
Stylized embossed ornamentations in the center: Tablets of the Law (engraved), a depiction of the priestly benediction gesture; a large bird (cock) holding a cluster of grapes in its mouth, a flowerpot and a tree with pomegranates. On the rim - engraved and embossed floral patterns, a pair of Shofars (ram's horns) and the inscription "Michael miYemin Mehalel veGavriel mismol memalel" (prayer).
The artist Mogens Ballin (1871-1914), a notable Jewish-Danish post-impressionist painter and metalsmith, was born in Copenhagen, and was part of the Pont-Aven School group of artists, active in Pont-Aven (Brittany, France). He studied French with Paul Gauguin's wife, and at her apartment he got acquainted with the works of Gauguin. In 1889, he went to Paris where he met Gauguin and his friends who together made up the Nabis group of artists – an avant-garde post-impressionist art group. After spending several years in France and in Italy, he returned to Copenhagen in the 1890s, and in 1899 opened a metalwork workshop together with the Danish sculptor Siegfried Wagner. The two artists worked with tin, copper and silver, creating mainly lamps and jewelry in Jugentstil and Art-Nouveau styles.
Most works by Ballin are not influenced by Jewish motifs, however he created in his workshop a Hanukkah Lamp and a Zedaka Box. This plate is one of a very few examples of Judaica made by Ballin.
Length: 20.5 cm, width: 22 cm. Good condition. Hook for hanging on the reverse. Patina.
Stylized embossed ornamentations in the center: Tablets of the Law (engraved), a depiction of the priestly benediction gesture; a large bird (cock) holding a cluster of grapes in its mouth, a flowerpot and a tree with pomegranates. On the rim - engraved and embossed floral patterns, a pair of Shofars (ram's horns) and the inscription "Michael miYemin Mehalel veGavriel mismol memalel" (prayer).
The artist Mogens Ballin (1871-1914), a notable Jewish-Danish post-impressionist painter and metalsmith, was born in Copenhagen, and was part of the Pont-Aven School group of artists, active in Pont-Aven (Brittany, France). He studied French with Paul Gauguin's wife, and at her apartment he got acquainted with the works of Gauguin. In 1889, he went to Paris where he met Gauguin and his friends who together made up the Nabis group of artists – an avant-garde post-impressionist art group. After spending several years in France and in Italy, he returned to Copenhagen in the 1890s, and in 1899 opened a metalwork workshop together with the Danish sculptor Siegfried Wagner. The two artists worked with tin, copper and silver, creating mainly lamps and jewelry in Jugentstil and Art-Nouveau styles.
Most works by Ballin are not influenced by Jewish motifs, however he created in his workshop a Hanukkah Lamp and a Zedaka Box. This plate is one of a very few examples of Judaica made by Ballin.
Length: 20.5 cm, width: 22 cm. Good condition. Hook for hanging on the reverse. Patina.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
Repousséd copper plate [created by the artist Mogens Ballin? Denmark? Early 20th century?]. Not signed.
In the center of the plate appear two hands with spread fingers - the priestly benediction gesture - on a Star of David. The inscription "Yevarechecha VeYishmerecha" (Hebrew, Priestly Benediction) is hammered above the Star of David. Five hammered buttons and four branches with leaves appear on the wide margins; on the lower part - the Hebrew inscription "Mizrah".
Diameter: 32 cm. Good condition. Corrosion and stains. Upper button is pierced, with a chain for hanging. Remnants of a hook on the reverse.
In the center of the plate appear two hands with spread fingers - the priestly benediction gesture - on a Star of David. The inscription "Yevarechecha VeYishmerecha" (Hebrew, Priestly Benediction) is hammered above the Star of David. Five hammered buttons and four branches with leaves appear on the wide margins; on the lower part - the Hebrew inscription "Mizrah".
Diameter: 32 cm. Good condition. Corrosion and stains. Upper button is pierced, with a chain for hanging. Remnants of a hook on the reverse.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
A hand-made calligraphic and illustrated certificate of appreciation presented to Rabbi Adolf Jellinek by the directors of "Beit HaMidrash" in Vienna, commemorating his 25 years of service as president and rabbi of the Viennese Leopoldstädter Tempel and "Beit HaMidrash." Vienna, October 6, 1882. German.
Fine calligraphic script, with colorful, expert hand illustrations, on exceptionally heavy paper.
The first leaf, on which the first part of the honorary accolade is inscribed, is framed with richly decorated, colorful, floral patterns. A portrait photograph of Jellinek (cut out of an original carte de visite portrait, the most famous of Jellinek) is mounted center top of the leaf. In the four corners, within round medallions, appear illustrations of biblical figures related to Jellinek (the illustrations are mentioned in the text): Aaron the Prophet [Jellinek's Hebrew name], with the inscription "Ohev et HaBriyot" (Hebrew: "Loves the people"); Isaiah the Prophet, with the inscription "Shim'u Dvar HaShem" (Hebrew: "Hear the word of the Lord") [related to Jellinek being an orator]; Tachkemoni reading a book, with the inscription "Beit HaMidrash, Shabbath Tachkemoni", and Ezra the Scribe, with the inscription "Sofer Mahir" (Hebrew: "Well-versed teacher"). On the right and left side margins, within cartouches, appear the dates October 6, 1857, and October 6, 1882, referring to the 25-year anniversary of Jellinek's service as rabbi, preacher and president of the "Beit HaMidrash" and the Leopoldstädter Synagogue. The sentence "Die Echte Wissenschaft Macht Frei, die Echte Freiheit Tolerant und Milde" ["True science leads to liberty, true liberty – to tolerance and moderation"] appears on the bottom of the certificate. Signed by the artist (L. Katscher) in the lower right corner.
The accolade text continues on the second leaf; here the frame and medallions in the corners are blank. The bottom of this leaf is signed by three renowned heads of the Viennese "Beit HaMidrash"– Arminio Cohn, 1811-1891, (president of the Vienna Jewish congregation during the years 1886-1890), Wilhelm von Guttmann, 1826-1895, (president of the Vienna Jewish congregation during the years 1891-1892) and Emanuel Baumgarten, 1828-1908, (author and journalist, member of the Jewish Community Council in Vienna).
Rabbi Aharon (Adolf) Jellinek (1821-1893) was a German-Jewish scholar, among the leaders of the “Chochmat Israel” movement. He was a bibliographer, collector, scholar of Jewish Studies, preacher and one of the outstanding orators of his generation. In 1857 Jellinek was appointed rabbi and Darshan (preacher) of the Tempelgasse Synagogue (also known as the Leopoldstädter Tempel) in Vienna. Seven years later, in 1864, he founded the Vienna Beth Hamidrasch in one of the synagogue’s wings, for biblical and Jewish studies. Jellinek edited a collection of Midrashim and Kabbalah named “Beit HaMidrash,” which compiled more than two hundred midrashim. Jellinek was probably the greatest synagogue orator of the 19th century. S.Y. Agnon wrote about him, “There were great Darshanim (preachers) in Jellinek’s era but there was none like Jellinek. Whoever listened to Jellinek preaching felt as if a spirit from above had rested upon the preacher and was speaking through him…” (“Tachrich shel Sipurim,” Schocken, 2001, p.200).
[2] leaves, 41.5X32 cm. Good condition. A few mild stains, mainly in the margins and to the reverse of the leaves. Bumped corners.
Fine calligraphic script, with colorful, expert hand illustrations, on exceptionally heavy paper.
The first leaf, on which the first part of the honorary accolade is inscribed, is framed with richly decorated, colorful, floral patterns. A portrait photograph of Jellinek (cut out of an original carte de visite portrait, the most famous of Jellinek) is mounted center top of the leaf. In the four corners, within round medallions, appear illustrations of biblical figures related to Jellinek (the illustrations are mentioned in the text): Aaron the Prophet [Jellinek's Hebrew name], with the inscription "Ohev et HaBriyot" (Hebrew: "Loves the people"); Isaiah the Prophet, with the inscription "Shim'u Dvar HaShem" (Hebrew: "Hear the word of the Lord") [related to Jellinek being an orator]; Tachkemoni reading a book, with the inscription "Beit HaMidrash, Shabbath Tachkemoni", and Ezra the Scribe, with the inscription "Sofer Mahir" (Hebrew: "Well-versed teacher"). On the right and left side margins, within cartouches, appear the dates October 6, 1857, and October 6, 1882, referring to the 25-year anniversary of Jellinek's service as rabbi, preacher and president of the "Beit HaMidrash" and the Leopoldstädter Synagogue. The sentence "Die Echte Wissenschaft Macht Frei, die Echte Freiheit Tolerant und Milde" ["True science leads to liberty, true liberty – to tolerance and moderation"] appears on the bottom of the certificate. Signed by the artist (L. Katscher) in the lower right corner.
The accolade text continues on the second leaf; here the frame and medallions in the corners are blank. The bottom of this leaf is signed by three renowned heads of the Viennese "Beit HaMidrash"– Arminio Cohn, 1811-1891, (president of the Vienna Jewish congregation during the years 1886-1890), Wilhelm von Guttmann, 1826-1895, (president of the Vienna Jewish congregation during the years 1891-1892) and Emanuel Baumgarten, 1828-1908, (author and journalist, member of the Jewish Community Council in Vienna).
Rabbi Aharon (Adolf) Jellinek (1821-1893) was a German-Jewish scholar, among the leaders of the “Chochmat Israel” movement. He was a bibliographer, collector, scholar of Jewish Studies, preacher and one of the outstanding orators of his generation. In 1857 Jellinek was appointed rabbi and Darshan (preacher) of the Tempelgasse Synagogue (also known as the Leopoldstädter Tempel) in Vienna. Seven years later, in 1864, he founded the Vienna Beth Hamidrasch in one of the synagogue’s wings, for biblical and Jewish studies. Jellinek edited a collection of Midrashim and Kabbalah named “Beit HaMidrash,” which compiled more than two hundred midrashim. Jellinek was probably the greatest synagogue orator of the 19th century. S.Y. Agnon wrote about him, “There were great Darshanim (preachers) in Jellinek’s era but there was none like Jellinek. Whoever listened to Jellinek preaching felt as if a spirit from above had rested upon the preacher and was speaking through him…” (“Tachrich shel Sipurim,” Schocken, 2001, p.200).
[2] leaves, 41.5X32 cm. Good condition. A few mild stains, mainly in the margins and to the reverse of the leaves. Bumped corners.
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Rare and Important Items
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