Spectacular Silver Torah Shield. Poland, circa 1847
“Torah Ark”
Remarkable silver Torah shield; hammered, cast, pierced and engraved with images of animals and birds, and an exquisite replica of the Torah in its ark.
The silver shield is marked with the number 12 and the hallmark of BN or BM. See TARDY, p. 328.
The item features impressive repoussé work. The center of the shield is embellished with doors that open in Eastern European style resembling a Torah ark and reveal an exquisite replica of a Sefer Torah scroll engraved with a Star of David.
Soldered to both sides of the ark are birds, lions and a royal emblem with a double-headed eagle. Both sides of the ark also feature engraved columns, each topped by a winged lion whose tail curls upward between its legs, and beautiful repoussé work of rocailles and floral designs. The upper part of the shield features a beautiful cast balcony with a deer in the center and winged lions on either side, surrounded by rich repoussé decorations in various motifs. Three bells hang at the bottom.
Condition: Good.
Size: Height: 25 cm. Width: 18 cm.
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitch 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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