Silver Torah Shield. Poland, 18th Century
A square-shaped Torah shield with an arched top and beadwork border, in charming repousse folk artwork. Centered on top is a large hammered medallion engraved with the letters kaf-saf, which is an acronym for "Kesser Torah”, crown of Torah. These letters are flanked by two unicorns. The shield is embossed and chased with scrolling flowers and foliage.
The center of the shield features a large, blank rectangular plaque with an engraved border, presumably intended for inscribing a dedication, and the entire piece is bordered by beadwork and undulating edges. Two small pomegranate-shaped pendants hang from the bottom, engraved with the acronyms of "Kesser Torah" and "Kesser Malchus”, crown of kingdom. It is likely that there was once a third pendant engraved with the acronym of "Kesser Kehunah”, crown of priesthood, following the mishnah in Pirkei Avos Ch. 4: "Rabbi Shimon says: There are three crowns: The crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship, but the crown of a good name surpasses them all.” A suspension chain from a later period is attached to the upper part.
Condition: Good with minor defects. There may be a plate with an engraving of a priestly crown missing at the bottom.
Size: Length: 19 cm. Width: 15.5 cm.
Provenance:
1. Sothebys April 1989, item 629
2. Yechezkel Toporowitz Collection
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).
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