Obj. ID: 35720
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Kiddush cup, Galicia, circa 1820

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

Some Jewish families in Eastern Europe were the proud owners of a silver Kiddush cup.  In many cases, such a silver cup might be the only silver item in the home. Most such cups were of a more or less standard shape, but the charming decoration on this example sets it apart. The animals depicted are a deer, a unicorn, a bird, and two lions.  One of the lions has an extraordinary, almost human face.  The decoration in general bears a relationship with similar decorative schemes on the walls of synagogues, on tombstones, on other ritual objects, and in the delicate papercuts made by the Jews of Galicia and Ukraine. The vessel is inscribed with the name of the owner, Eliyahu. Such cups were used to make a blessing on the wine for the Sabbath and festivals.

Inscription:  This Belongs to Our Teacher, The Rabbi Eliyahu