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A Large Italian Embroidered Ceremonial Cloth for the Torah, Mid-17th Century
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
silk embroidery on linen.
height 24 in.; length 100 in.
61 cm; 254 cm
This rare embroidered textile, known as a mappa, had a very specific function in Italian synagogue services - the long undecorated ends were rolled into either sides of the scroll and the decorated embroidered panel sat under the open parchment and served as an ornamental covering so that when the scroll was lifted in the air, the bare parchment would not be visible and the sanctity of the scroll would be honored.
Punto scritto stitching over ink drawing. Central text panel embroidered with scrolling vines and flowers. Hebrew inscription: And this is the Torah that Moses placed before the children of Israel. May God accept this donation Jacob Montefiore. The emblem of the Italian branch of the Montefiore family, a rampant lion holding a flower and standing on a hill is embroidered below the inscription. This same emblem can be found on an elaborate Torah Ark Curtain from Pesaro, 1620 (now in the U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art) as well as on the title page of Kan Zippor, a Hebrew manuscript written in 1745 by Joseph ben Jacob Montefiore, likely the son of the person to whom this present mappa is dedicated. Left, right and upper borders embellished with a small floral design in red thread.
height 24 in.; length 100 in.
61 cm; 254 cm
This rare embroidered textile, known as a mappa, had a very specific function in Italian synagogue services - the long undecorated ends were rolled into either sides of the scroll and the decorated embroidered panel sat under the open parchment and served as an ornamental covering so that when the scroll was lifted in the air, the bare parchment would not be visible and the sanctity of the scroll would be honored.
Punto scritto stitching over ink drawing. Central text panel embroidered with scrolling vines and flowers. Hebrew inscription: And this is the Torah that Moses placed before the children of Israel. May God accept this donation Jacob Montefiore. The emblem of the Italian branch of the Montefiore family, a rampant lion holding a flower and standing on a hill is embroidered below the inscription. This same emblem can be found on an elaborate Torah Ark Curtain from Pesaro, 1620 (now in the U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art) as well as on the title page of Kan Zippor, a Hebrew manuscript written in 1745 by Joseph ben Jacob Montefiore, likely the son of the person to whom this present mappa is dedicated. Left, right and upper borders embellished with a small floral design in red thread.
Condition
Early repairs to the linen. Rubbed and worn. Stamped and stitched with the number 7. Bottom border shortened.
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.