Obj. ID: 645
  Sacred and Ritual  Torah shield, Ukraine (?), 19th century (?)

The silver Torah shield is rectangular and terminates with a semi circular arch. The name of the Lord is depicted in the center framed with leaves. Two rampant lions, facing backwards and revealing their tongues stand upon cylindrical columns patterned with spiralling leaves strips. The lions hold a crown decorated with flowers. Surmounting the crwon is foliage flanked by two flying birds who peck at the leaves. The upper part consists of an inscription written in full square letters and reads:

ז"נ [זאת נדבת] ר' [רבי] מאיר ברמ' [בן ר' מרדכי?] בעד נ"ב [נשמת בתו?] הבתולה ליבא רחל ז"ל [זכרונה לברכה]

"This is the donation of R. Meir son of the R. Mordechai for the soul of his daughter, virgin Liba Rachel of blessed memory."

In the center of the shield, between the columns - a unicorn with a head flexed fownwards, leaps over a flowering pot. 

The Torah shield is framed by a raised line composed of pointed arches.