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Metalwork
Spice container (besamim, tower form)
Austrian artist, (active )
Austrian artist
Austria
Primary
12 in. (30.5 cm)
.
.
.
Silver
Silver
1867-1922
1867
1922
bsamim, judaica
Metalwork
The Memorial Art Gallery recently acquired several outstanding examples of Jewish ceremonial art from the collection of Central Synagogue, the oldest Jewish house of worship in continuous use in New York City. All seven objects were made in southern Germany, a region important for the production of silver as well as the original homeland for many of the early members of Central Synagogue’s congregation.
These beautifully crafted works of art represent a range of ritual objects used in Jewish religious practice. The importance of beautifying such objects is eloquently captured in the principle of hiddur mitzvah. This expression, which literally means to beautify a commandment, is biblically grounded in Moses’ words following the Israelites’ escape from Egypt: “This is my God, and I will glorify Him.” (Exodus 15:2).
The collection includes ritual objects related to the celebration of the Sabbath, the spiritual focus of Judaism: a pair of candlesticks, a Kiddush cup and two spice containers. These were once used in the home, as was the Hanukkiah, an oil lamp lit during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Also included is a Tas, a decorative and functional object that originally ornamented the Torah in a synagogue.
The conclusion of the Sabbath is marked by the havdalah ceremony, which separates sacred from secular time. All the senses are evoked during this ancient ritual; to excite the sense of smell, fragrant spices, often enclosed in ceremonial objects, were passed among those present. The tower form as a spice container first appears in the 1500s.
[Adapted from gallery label text, 2006]
underside, See surrogate attached. EE?, See surrogate attached. Five-lobed flower shape with profile head inside
2006.56
item
Memorial Art Gallery
7/31/2006
6076.1DI1
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/Inventory pictures/2006.56_I1.jpg
2006.56DI#2
digital image
full
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.56_A1.jpg
2006.56DI#3
digital image
another view
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.56_A2.jpg
2006.56DI#4
digital image
detail
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.56_A3.jpg
Metalwork
Pitcher with Panther Handle
European artist
European artist
Primary
9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
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.
.
Bronze
Bronze
0
0
1800-1900, 1900-2000, 19th century, 20th century, cats, containers, metalwork, vessels
Metalwork
This is a modern replica of a pitcher found at Pompeii, now in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples. Identical pieces can be found in the sales catalogue of Sab. de Angelis & Fils, a Naples bronze foundry, around the turn of the 20th century.
1955.118
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/13/2001
negative
5 x 7
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
55.118DI#1
digital image
2/11/2008
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/55.118_A1.jpg