| OBJ | Torah finial , Persia, Isfahan, 20th century, Sc. 469 – 21 |
Category: Ritual object |
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Subject
Not relevant Go to Subject Document
Ornamentation
Lotus – H'thai
Custom
Torah finials
Material & Technique
Silver
Structure: raised, hammered
Decoration: chased, engraved, stamped
Bonding: soldered
Inscription: engraved
Measurements
Height: 310 mm (overall); 115 mm (shaft)
Hallmark
None
Decoration Program
Not relevant
Description
The Torah finial consists of a shaft, a body, and an apex.
The cylindrical shaft is encircled by a ring at its bottom, and surmounted by a globular capital. It is decorated with net of lozenges, each enclosing a lotus flower (H'thai). Two strips with flowers border the shaft, on top and bottom.
The globular body is decorated with seven circumferential bands, two of which are ornamented with a running pattern of medallions enclosing an open lotus, designed in high and low relief, alternatively. They border the central band which is inscribed with dedicatory inscriptions, in square, outlined letters. Each finial is inscribed with a different dedication, and reads:
"למנוחת נפש משה בן רבי יזדי קודש לבית הכנסת חדש יזדים שבירושלים עה"
"(Donated) for the repose of the soul of Moshe son of Rabbi Yazdi dedicated to the new Synagogue of the Yazdis in Jerusalem, May he rest in peace"
למנוחת נפש רבי בן אברהם יזדי קודש לבית הכנסת חדש יזדים שבירושלים "
"למנוחת נפש שמעון בן אלעזר יזדי"
"For the repose of the soul of Rabbi son of Abraham dedicated to the new Synagogue of the Yazdis in Jerusalem"
"For the repose of the soul of Shimeon son of Eleazar Yazdi"
The other bands are narrower and are ornamented with various floral motifs.
The body is surmounted by a hyperboloid unit, topped by a round collar that support a pointed cupola decorated by petals radiating from the apex. Five chains are suspended from holes in the collar, each carrying bells and pendants, alternatively.
History/Provenance
Unknown
Condition
The original chains and bells are missing.
Remarks
According to a story told by the members of the synagogue, when late Moshe son of Rabbi Yazdi (who came from the city of Yazd) was young, he fell in love with a girl. Unfortunately, she married a rich young man, who won her because of his wealth, and gave a large dowry to her parents. Broken-hearted, Moshe lost his mind and when he died, his mother dedicated these finials in his memory.
Bibliography
None
| Type: | Original | |
| Photographer: | Date: | Negative no.: |
| Zev Radovan | 284:3,26,27,33 | |
Copyright |
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| Object: | Photograph: | |
| Sc. 469 | Sc. 469 | |
Registrar |
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| Function: | Name: | Date: |
| Documenter | Mira Smoli | 02.88 |
| Researcher | A. F; Ariella Amar | 03.89; 08.07 |
| Section Head | Ariella Amar | 08.07 |
| Editor | Judith Cardozo | 08.07 |
| IJA No.: | Sc. 5351 |
