Obj. ID: 632
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Torah shield

The silver Torah shield consists of a two tiered plaque. The center of each tier bears a recessed window, flanked by two square columns. A protruding shelf rests above each set of columns and divides the two tiers. The proportions of the upper tier are smaller than those of the lower tier. The lower window contains a jug filled with flowers. The colums bear a floral motif. A foliate motif surmounts the window and is flanked by two eagles perched on branches which stem from the central motif. Below is a flower flanked by two facing squirrels who are eat from a plant. A cluster of grapes is situated in the window of the upper tier. A conch like leaf is located at the top and bottom of the shield. Alternating floral "C" scrolls frame the lower tier and flowered branches frame the upper tier. The shape of the shield follows its decoration.