- 111
A Bezalel silver-mounted brass miniature Torah Ark, Jerusalem, circa 1915
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- apparently unsigned
- SILVER
- height overall 13 in.
- 33 cm
the hinged sides cast with emblems of the twelve tribes of Israel and a pair of hands over a Star of David, with a silver border of granulations, the domed top with a filigree base and finial, all on a wood base
Exhibited
New York, Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica, at Temple Emanu-El, BEZALEL: Art, Craft & Jewish National Identity, Elka Deitsch and David Wachtel, 2012
Condition
one handle lacking a pull; interior rod lacking cap to base; dent to one side, top and to finial; some splits to wood base and a few minor losses; otherwise good
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.
Catalogue Note
The decorative motif of the pair of hands with fingers splayed in the traditional manner of the Priestly Blessing is after a design by Ephraim Moshe Lilien, first used on the cover of Juedischer Almanach 5663 [1903].
Lilien traveled to Palestine with Boris Schatz in 1906 to serve as the first instructor of the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. Although he remained for less than a year, his bold graphic style remained an indelible influence on Bezalel's output for years to come. Lilien's distinctive designs include the iconic Bezalel emblem as well as Boris Schatz's personal bookplate.