O n the legendary Silk Road, cultures and faiths converged — sometimes in a single object. The “Cup of Joy,” a rare medieval Kiddush cup crafted in Khorasan, is inscribed with blessings in both Hebrew and Arabic, reflecting a world where artistic language and spiritual ideals intertwined. Nearly one thousand years old, this silver vessel is one of fewer than twenty-five known examples of medieval Judaica, and is believed to be the earliest of them all.
Never before seen in public, the “Cup of Joy” carries both the name of its Jewish owner, Simcha son of Salman, and a unique pairing of blessings that reveal extraordinary cultural exchange. From its luminous silver and gold inlay to the survival of its dual inscriptions, this cup stands as a witness to history — a bridge between communities and centuries.
The "Cup of Joy"—the oldest surviving Kiddush cup—will be up for auction live on 29 October at Sotheby’s New York.
