Extra-large, magnificent silver megillah case. Bezalel, Jerusalem, circa 1925.
An impressive rare item by ‘Bezalel’, remarkable for both its beauty and size.
Large and splendid silver megillah case, boasting exceptional filigree work and engraved illustrations and verses from the megillah, made by special order of Rabbi Zeitouni, who was a rabbi in Lebanon in the early 1920s.
Description: The present megillah case is cylindrical, engraved with a high-quality etch depicting Haman leading Mordechai on a horse. Engraved below is the Hebrew verse from Megillas Esther,
“Such shall be done to the man whom the king wishes to honor” surrounded by an outstanding filigree frame with four striking filigree balls on each side. Below, another high-quality etching depicts the city of Jerusalem, with the Hebrew words “Jerusalem the Holy City” above and “Megillas Esther” in large letters below, with another identical filigree frame and balls surrounding the engraving.
Between the two etchings, an impressive filigree belt encircles the case with the Hebrew inscription “Bezalel Jerusalem” and additional decorations above it. Above and below the cylindrical body, the case curves upward and downward in beautiful filigree, with the Hebrew verse from the megillah,
“The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor” engraved on its upper part. The case is topped by a crown, spire, and spherical finial, all in superb filigree. At the bottom, a large scrolling handle is decorated with lovely engravings and filigree work and a silver pull bar features the Hebrew inscription “Bezalel Jerusalem” and fine filigree with a ring and large silver circular handle, decorated with small circles. The Bezalel Jerusalem hallmark is stamped into the handle.
Condition: Good; a rare Bezalel item, both in size and beauty.
Length: 64 cm.
Weight: 972 grams
Provenance: Yechezekel Toporowitch Collection. According to Y.T. notes, this megillah case was custom-ordered by Rabbi Zeitouni, a rabbi in Lebanon in the early 1920s.
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is a public college and museum of art and design located in Jerusalem. Established in 1906 by Jewish painter and sculptor Boris Schatz, Bezalel is Israel’s oldest institution of higher education and is regarded as the most prestigious art school in the country. It is named for the Biblical figure Bezalel son of Uri, who oversaw the design and construction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.
For over a century, hundreds of artists, among them lauded professors and generations of students, produced magnificent works of art and creations that expertly melded both eastern and western styles and genres. In 1929, the Academy closed, but reopened six years later and has been active ever since. The majority of artwork created in the Academy bears the stamp “Bezalel Jerusalem”.
Purim is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays among adults and children, a day abounding with joy, festivities and special mitzvos. The Jewish people are traditionally accustomed to beautifying items related to their mitzvos to express their love and excitement for them. This megilla case is a clear demonstration of the great measures taken to adorn the cherished Megillas Esther.
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