Passover Banner [Alsace: 19th century]

Estimate

5,000 - 6,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

White linen embroidered with Hebrew text and floral and figural designs in red, green and white cotton (67 ½ x 16 ¾ in.; 1715 x 426 mm). The letters ML sewn on the back (likely the initials of the maker or owner.)

Literature

Daniel M. Swetschinski, Orphan Objects: Facets of the Textiles Collection of the Joods Historisch Museum, Amsterdam, 1997, p. 66. Stephan O. Parnes ed., The Art of Passover, New York 1994 pp. 48-53. Ester Muchawsky-Schnapper, Les Juifs d'Alsace, Jerusalem, 1991 item #45.

Catalogue Note

The Ashkenazic Jews who lived in the region of Alsace frequently created elaborately decorated towels for use in conjunction with the Passover Seder. During a traditional Seder, participants wash their hands twice; once before dipping karpas (greens) in salt water and again prior to eating matzah. This type of towel was likely used to cover other undecorated towels intended for actually drying the participants' hands, before and after their use. At the top of the towel, the Hebrew blessing accompanying hand-washing is embroidered. The large floral arrangement located in the lower portion of the towel is a typical Alsatian motif.