Img. ID: 109335

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

The bindings of Jewish books are generally quite simple, but there does exist a tradition, probably among the wealthier section of the population, of binding books in special and elegant ways utilizing a variety of material.

Silver book bindings are one of the most elegant objects of Jewish ritual art. The form is generally copied from Catholic and Orthodox Christian tradition where prayer books were often covered with silver bindings in keeping with the other elegant silver pieces used in the prayer service. As in many other areas of life, Jews emulated some customs from what they saw of their Christian neighbors. Since such a binding was an expensive purchase for an individual, such silver pieces are fairly rare. Their appearance is most widespread in Italy, but examples also exist from Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Austria and even the Ottoman Empire.

Such a silver book binding was not a regular item of Jewish use in Turkey, or, for that matter, in any of the Eastern communities. Therefore this example is extremely rare. The work and decorative motifs are very much those used on the back of mirror holders produced in Istanbul. The spine carries an inscription for the owner and a date that is very early for silver ritual objects in the Ottoman Empire. There is an additional inscription on one of the covers that is later by almost 80 years.

Inscriptions:

On the spine in three sections: Top: I am privileged to have his work, may he be blessed Middle: I, the young, important and honorable rabbi Mordechai, son of the honorable, Bottom: Asher Biti, may his rock and redeemer protect him, the year 5578 [1818]

Later inscription on both covers: Front: Reuven, may the Lord sustain him and grant him favor Back: Avraham Shalchut, 5656 [1896]