Decorative plate to be mounted on the wall, by Jewish-Danish artist Mogens Ballin. [Copenhagen, ca. 1900]. Signed on verso: MB (monogram), JXI / M.M.

Brass, repoussé, engraved and stamped.

In the center of the plate appear a stylized Tree of Life growing from a vase inscribed “Etz Chaim”, and a small reclining deer underneath; surrounding the tree are animals and vegetal motifs, with a flaming bowl above; inscribed along the rim is the verse: "the instruction of Your mouth is better for me than thousands of gold and silver" (Theillim, 119:72 [Hebrwe]).

Mogens Ballin (1871-1914), Jewish-Danish metalworker and painter, born in Copenhagen. A leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, he worked in France with Paul Gauguin and members of the Pont-Aven School, and was associated with the post-impressionist group Les Nabis. Upon returning to Copenhagen in the 1890s, he founded a metalwork studio with sculptor Siegfried Wagner, producing Jugendstil and Art Nouveau designs. While most of his works lack overt Jewish references, he is known to have produced several Judaica items, including Hanukkah lamps and charity boxes. The present plate is one of his few surviving Jewish-themed works.

Approx. 22X23 cm (undulating and asymmetrical rim). Good condition. Minor blemishes. Patina. Suspension loop on verso.

For an identical plate, see: Sotheby’s, Tel Aviv, 11 October, 2001, Lot 22. For two similar plates with Jewish motifs, see: Kedem, Auction 48, 2 December 2015, Lots 82 and 83.