Impressive Gold Seal. 19th Century
A magnificent embossed gold seal embellished with floral decorations with a large, ornate gold handle, also adorned with impressive floral embossment. The seal is crafted of red carnelian stone, engraved and carved with superb craftsmanship that depicts two hands as a symbol of Birkas Kohanim. Below them, within a belt-shaped frame, are words inscribed in Latin “IN TE DOMINE SPERAVI” (לישועתך קויתי ה), with stylized initials in the center.
Condition: Good
Size: 4.2 cm high including handle; seal size: 3 cm x 2.3 cm
Provenance:
1. Sothebys, October 2000, item 102
2. Yechezkel Toporowitch Collection
Family Seals
Since the dawn of time and until this very day, kings and noblemen, countries, states and cities, associations, families and even individuals were known to adopt a particular symbol to identify and project their name and status. Many a Jewish family and dignitaries, specifically Italian Jews, chose specific symbols as their family seals, and these hallmarks were often manifested on illustrated kesubos, seals, books, bindings, ornamental items and even tombstones! Some of the more prominent and common seals included hands and crowns for families of Kohanim and washing cups for Levi’im. Yet aside for these typical ones, there were many others chosen by Jewish families, with common themes being lions, eagles, towers, the sun, moon and stars, birds, fish and a wide variety of trees and foliage. Some of the most famous family seals include those of the Rothschild family, Sir Moses Montefiore, and the Adler family who served for two generations as Chief Rabbis of England.
…………………………………………
Any inquiries about this lot ?
