Rare Silver Torah Finials. Presumably Jerusalem, circa Late 19th Century
These striking unmarked Torah finials feature a beautiful and unique design. The style is undoubtedly Afghan, albeit the engraved dedication includes the word “Jerusalem”. This discrepancy may be explained by the fact that while the finials were actually crafted in Afghanistan, they were subsequently brought to Jerusalem and dedicated and gifted to the beneficiary there. During this period, such artistic items were rarely crafted in Jerusalem (and in Afghanistan, as well), making this particular item a very exclusive creation.
Description: Engraved silver finials designed with a short, tubular shaft and, above it, a double panel made of two oval silver plates approximately one-and-a-half centimeters thick. The center boasts an engraving of the Tablets of the Covenant in the form of a multistory building, with the Ten Commandments and verses regarding honoring the Torah and Tablets above and below. A border with additional verses honoring the Torah encircles the Tablets, and engravings of leaves and flowers surround the edges. Chains with tiny flat bells hang all around. Etched into the bottom is the dedication, “In memory of her mother, sacred to G-d, from Mrs. Sarah bas Esther, Jerusalem”.
Condition: Good. Slight bends and dents, wear and a minimal flaw.
Size: Height: 26 cm. Width: 10.5 cm.
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitch Collection.
Rimonim
The Hebrew word for finials is “rimonim”, which translates literally as “pomegranates” and indeed, there were many who saw a resemblance between the pomegranates and bells which hung from the bottom of the Kohen Gadol’s garment and tinkled to herald his arrival, and those hanging from the top of the Sefer Torah that tinkle when it is removed from the Aron Kodesh.
Beautifying the Mitzvos
There is no item more treasured or sacred to the Jewish people than the Sefer Torah. Throughout the ages, Jewish communities have sought to beautify and decorate Sifrei Torah with silver crowns, breastplates and finials, following the dictum of the Sages who instructed to, “Make a beautiful Sefer Torah.” (Shabbos 133b)
…………………………………………
Any inquiries about this lot ?
