Torah shield. [Poland, ca. 1800].
Silver, cast and pierced (unmarked, except a Kraków city mark, in use 1806-1807); gilt; colorful gems.
Small, heavy Torah shield of exceptionally high decorative quality, set with some 70 colorful gems, with a design inspired by Eastern European carved wooden arks. The shield is comprised of a smooth gilt backplate, with decorations attached with nails and pins in architectural patterns (with a pair of protruding massive pillars) and vegetal patterns. The center of the shield features a large basket with fruit and blossoming branches, with a valance-like ornament above, and a cornice with a pair of birds of prey on either side, all topped by a large crown with a pair of birds upon it. Most of these decorative elements are set with gems. The vegetal decorations at the right, left and bottom edges incorporate various animals, including cranes and monkeys, birds of prey, rabbits and a large bear. At the bottom of the shield is a rectangular compartment for interchangeable plaques (one later double-sided plaque included). Long suspension chain (original).
Height: 22 cm (with chain: 50 cm). Width: 15 cm. Weight: 692 g. Overall good condition. Two medallions with gems lacking, one at bottom edge and one at valance decoration. Some pins lacking. Soldering repairs and remains of chains to back side, apparently remains of old chain links.
For similarly designed Torah shields, see: Crowning Glory, item nos. 186, 190; Synagoga. Recklinghausen: Städtische Kunsthalle, 1960, item no. C55; see also Kedem, Auction 97, 8 May 2024 (Schloss Collection), Lot 2.
Provenance:
1. Sotheby's, London, 5 July 1982, Lot 218.
2. Collection of Michael and Judy Steinhardt.
3. Sotheby's, New York, 29 April 2013 (Steinhardt Collection), Lot 146.
