Torah pointer / Spice container. [Eretz Israel, late 19th century].
Engraved olive wood, carved and pierced; printing.
Tightly closed fist with a pointing finger, straight thumb. Small ball. Half of the handle is pentagonal and half is spiral. A flat ball in the center of the handle. A ball-shaped joint at the tip of the handle can be unscrewed and serve as a vessel for spices. On the joint - carved relief of the Western Wall with three cypresses above it and two mosques on both sides, and a decoration. A printed inscription above the carving reads "Kotel…". Five perforations for smelling the spices, decorated with circles; printed in the center is the word "Yerushalem" (Hebrew). Ball is topped with a finial.
Length: 30.5 cm. Good condition. Two small breaks, repairs of wood, faded inscriptions.
Provenance: Collection of Willy Lindwer.