ACE Series: The Sefer Torah Crown
When our team discovered an exquisite silver crown during an otherwise standard consult at an EBTH home, we thought we might have something special on our hands. More research into the object, handcrafted entirely of sterling silver with rows of filigree work and a bezel set with carnelian stones, revealed that it is a rare and significant Sefer Torah crown from the renowned Bezalel School of Arts. Dating back to the early 20th century, the piece was likely crafted under the supervision of the school’s founder, Boris Schatz. Marked on its interior with the official Bezalel stamp, the work represents a period of arts and crafts revival which blossomed out of the European/American Arts and Crafts movement.
In history, Torah crowns are among the first Torah ornaments and first appear in in the 11th century, used to crown the so-called “Bridegrooms of the Law:” the individuals called up on Simhat Torah to complete the annual cycle of the Torah reading and initiate the new cycle. Initially made from plants, jewelry or other decorative items, by the 14th century, crowns are fashioned from silver, each in a design and style indicative of its region.
Among the intricate details of this traditional Yemeni-style crown are Stars of David, 12 hand-carved bone medallions, representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and small bell embellishments. The crown bears the inscription: “It is a Tree of Life for those who cling to it, Blessed are they who uphold it.”
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Danish Modern Jo Hammerborg for Fog & Mørup "Zero" PVC Pendant Light, 1972
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Rookwood Pottery Art Deco Style Ceramic Candlesticks, 2019
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Waterford Crystal "Lismore" Liquor Decanter with Other Wine Bucket
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Persian Earthenware Yellow Ground and Blue Glazed Bowl
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Christian Dior Faux Pearl and Crystal Drop Earrings
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mikimoto Five Pearl Quartz Wristwatch with Mother of Pearl Dial
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Tibetan Silver Filigree Box with Inlaid Ruby and Other Gemstones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Star Charm Ring
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Kathy Anderson Landscape Oil and Acrylic Painting Of A Rocky Shoreline, 2023
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Outdoor Aluminum Octagonal Modular Picnic Table and Seating
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Offset Lithograph After Bernard Buffet "Bouquet"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
José M. Lima Oil Landscape Painting
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Diamond Huggie Earrings with 10K Accents
Bala Cynwyd, PA
Lori Bartman Post-Modern Pottery Sculpture
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
William J. Greenwood Landscape Watercolor Painting, 1971
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Bilston and Battersea Enamel Limited Edition "The Swan Lake Box"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Engraving After Wale and Gwynn of the Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, London
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Hollywood Glam Table Lamp Featuring Chrome and Glass
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Coach Enameled Metal Daisy Purse Charms Keychains
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash