- 310
An Embroidered Sabbath cloth, Sakhiz, Iranian Kurdistan, 19th century
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
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Description
- Diameter: 32 inches
cotton embroidered with multicolored silk and wool, with sequins, satin and metallic fringe border.
diameter 32 in.
81.2 cm
These festive and colorful large round cloths were used by the Jews of Kurdistan to decorate the Sabbath table. They were embroidered by women for their families and some were initially created to cover the large brass trays which held the food and gifts exchanged between the future bride and groom on the occasion of their engagement. Hebrew lettering was central to the scheme of decoration and this cloth is embellished with Hebrew verses from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 3:3): “If three have eaten at one table and have spoken over it words of Torah, it is as if they had eaten from the table of God, for it is written [Ezekiel 41:22] He said to me, ‘This is the table that stands before the Lord.' Also included are the first 30 initial letters of the Ana Be-Koach prayer and a central dedicatory inscription to “the beloved and pleasant Samuel son of Abraham” (presumably the groom).
Related examples in public collections are in The Jewish Museum, New York (F 6033) and the Israel Museum (161/4).
RELATED LITERATURE:
Ora Shwartz-Be'eri, The Jews of Kurdistan: Daily Life, Customs, Arts and Crafts, 2000, pp.164-167
Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett and Cissy Grossman, Fabric of Jewish Life, 1977, no. 174
diameter 32 in.
81.2 cm
These festive and colorful large round cloths were used by the Jews of Kurdistan to decorate the Sabbath table. They were embroidered by women for their families and some were initially created to cover the large brass trays which held the food and gifts exchanged between the future bride and groom on the occasion of their engagement. Hebrew lettering was central to the scheme of decoration and this cloth is embellished with Hebrew verses from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 3:3): “If three have eaten at one table and have spoken over it words of Torah, it is as if they had eaten from the table of God, for it is written [Ezekiel 41:22] He said to me, ‘This is the table that stands before the Lord.' Also included are the first 30 initial letters of the Ana Be-Koach prayer and a central dedicatory inscription to “the beloved and pleasant Samuel son of Abraham” (presumably the groom).
Related examples in public collections are in The Jewish Museum, New York (F 6033) and the Israel Museum (161/4).
RELATED LITERATURE:
Ora Shwartz-Be'eri, The Jews of Kurdistan: Daily Life, Customs, Arts and Crafts, 2000, pp.164-167
Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett and Cissy Grossman, Fabric of Jewish Life, 1977, no. 174
Condition
In very good condition. A few scattered sequins missing.
Please note that a license may be required to export textiles, rugs and carpets of Iranian origin from the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding export requirements. Please check with the department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to this restriction or if you need assistance.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.