Torah Shield set with gemstones. Europe [England? Germany?, 19th century].
Cast and engraved silver (not marked); gilding; gemstones.
The Ten Commandments appear in the center of the shield, topped by a crown-shaped ornamentation. The inscription "Torat Moshe" appears on the upper part of the shield, set with turquoise stones, topped with a foliage ornament. The surface is decorated with vegetal patterns. Set with colorful gemstones on the margins of the "Tablets of the Law" and around. Original chain, with a gilt filigree decoration.
Length: 15.5 cm, width: 11.5 cm. Good condition. Several tiny holes.
Exhibited:
1. Anglo-Jewish Historical Exhibition, Royal Albert Hall, London, 1887.
2. Exhibition of Jewish art and antiquities, Whitechapel Art Gallery, [London, 1906].
Literature:
1. Catalogue of the Anglo-Jewish Historical Exhibition, Royal Albert Hall, London 1887, Compiled by Joseph Jacobs and Lucien Wolf, Illustrated by Frank Haes. London, 1888. Item no. 2041 (photographed).
2. Whitechapel Art Gallery, Exhibition of Jewish art and antiquities, Catalogue, [London, 1906], item no. 138.
Provenance: Sassoon family collection.