"Menorah" – Shiviti plaque. Morocco, [perhaps Tétouan or Marrakesh, ca. mid-19th century].
Ink and paint on paper.
"Menorah" plaque (as such plaques were referred to in North Africa) in a symmetric composition, set within a stylized, poly-lobed arch (typical of Moorish architectural style). Decorated in green and red hues, with motifs typical of similar pieces from Morocco. A LaMenatze'ach Menorah occupies the center of the leaf, with flowering branches rising from the center stem; the Menorah is surrounded by Temple utensils, two hamsas (containing the text of the priestly blessing), and two eight-pointed stars. Names of the utensils, names of angels, and initials of verses for protection (in neat square script) around the illustrations. The plaque is enclosed in a border of repetitive vegetal patterns.
The ornaments and palette of this "Menorah" are reminiscent of a decorated ketubah from Tétouan from 1852, see item no. 7 in this catalogue.

37.5X22 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and creases. Folding marks.

Exhibitions:
1. Living Khamsah. Schwäbisch Gmünd, 2004.
2. Institut du Monde Arabe. Paris, "Juifs d'Orient", 2021-2022.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 058.011.044.
The plaque is documented on the Center for Jewish Art (CJA) website, item no. 48436.