Decorated brass platter, created by Avraham Muwas. [Syria, probably Damascus, early 20th century].
Brass, repoussé, inlaid silver (engraved) and copper (damascening).
Large, massive, circular platter with elevated rim, decorated with high-quality damascening.
The rim bears biblical verses (in Hebrew) from Tehillim 128, from "A song of ascents. Happy is any man who fears G-d, who follows His ways" to "So shall all who fear G-d be blessed" (with minor errors). Numerous decorative elements appear within the main circle of the platter, most of them derived from the style and illustrations of "Mizrach" plaques originating from Central Europe in the late 19th century (for instance, Breslau and Prague). Undoubtedly, the artist was looking directly at one of these "Mizrach" plaques at the time he created this platter.
The decorative elements are arranged in three main groups, encircling and enclosed within an architectonic structure consisting of columns and arches:
1. Central elements: At the top is a sun-like image, surmounted by a crown and flanked on either side by angels in flight. Underneath this is the arched (Hebrew) inscription: "From east to west [two-letter deletion here], G-d's name is praised" (Tehillim, 113:3). At the center of the platter is a depiction of the Ark of the Covenant, and under it the (Hebrew) inscription: "Know before Whom you stand"; under this is a depiction of the Western Wall with worshipers and a grape vine, and above that, the somewhat distorted Hebrew verse (Tehillim, 16:8): " I have set the Lord always before me…" The depiction of the Western Wall is flanked on either side by a pair of large, crouched, mustached lions.
2. Elements on the right: Under the arch is an illustration of Moses striking the rock, with the inscription (below, Hebrew) "Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One" (Devarim 6:4); and beneath this, a depiction of Moses holding the Two Tablets of the Law, and next to him, a Torah scroll.
3. Elements on the left: Under the arch, an illustration of the Binding of Isaac, with the inscription (below, Hebrew) "Blessed be the name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever" and beneath this, a depiction of Aaron, wearing the priestly breastplate and holding an incense burner, with the seven-branched Menorah behind him. Underneath these elements is the (Hebrew) verse "Your servants take delight in its stones, and cherish its dust" (Tehillim 102:15, with errors), and the artist’s mark (Hebrew): "Work of Avraham Muwas". Along the upper border are 12 round medallions bearing the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, along with depictions of the 12 sons of Jacob and emblems of the Twelve Tribes. To the right of the right column is a hanging lamp, and to the left of the left column is a pitcher, together representing the vessels of the Great Temple. And at bottom center, an illustration of a large bird of prey grasping a snake in its beak, and bearing a medallion with images of the Three Patriarchs, along with a lion and birds.
Diameter: 47 cm. Height: 2.5 cm. Overall good condition. Several minute silver pieces missing. Suspension hook on back.
Provenance: Sotheby's, Tel Aviv, 17 April 2001, Lot 336.
