Obj. ID: 48948
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts Shiviti papercut, Germany, circa 1750
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
This piece is a classic Jewish copy of a Christian custom in central Europe for which small papercuts were created, called "Spitzenbilder". This is an 18th-century form. Such items in the Jewish context are almost unknown and the fine delicacy of the cutting itself and the fine level of painting place this example in a class by itself. The small size enabled such objects to be kept between the pages of a prayer book. This was the custom in the Christian tradition. This piece was found between the pages of a Hebrew prayer book printed in Amsterdam. The central theme is the temple menorah with finely painted portraits of Moshe and Aaron on each side. Above are the words indicating its use as a "Shiviti".