Obj. ID: 1684
Ancient Jewish Art  The Gate Sarcophagus from Beth She`arim

To the main object: Beth She'arim

The sarcophagus has a rectangular body and a high gabled lid with four acroteria on the corners. The front side is decorated with an architectural facade. On the right narrow side are two rhombi flanking a column. On the left narrow side are rough curves. The back is undecorated(?). The lid is decorated with vertical stripes, containing varios motifs. In the center of the right narrow side of the lid, is a gable inclosing a conch. The front side - In the center is a gate (sacred facade) with a double leaved door, divided in two rectangular panels. The lintels and jams of the gate are carved with a string of reels pattern. The gate is flanked by two columns, and two additional columns are carved at each corner. The inner columns are flat and vertically fluted, they have simple bases and rounded capital. The corner columns are three quarter round with neither bases nor capitals. The two rectangular fields between the corner and the central columns are deeply grooved with oblique lines. On the right narrow side - is a central column, flanked by two rhombi enclosing a circle. The coulmn is vertically fluted, with a simple base and rounded capital. On both sides of the lower apex of the two rhombi are small circles, and small rhombi on the upper apex. The left narrow side of the sarcophagus - is entirely incised with rough curves. The two slopes of the gabled lid - are decorated with alternately vertical plain stripes and stripes containing various geometric and floral designs. Each of the four acroteria is surrounded by a thick rope-like strip. Between the right rope-like stipes and the end of the vertical stripes design, are two plain discs. The right narrow side of the lid is decorated with a gable enclosing a conch.