Obj. ID: 35719 Kiddush cup, Iraq, circa 1925
sub-set tree:
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
The sanctification of the Shabbat and Holidays is connected with a blessing recited over wine or grape juice. While the wine can be drunk from any vessel, often special cups are created for the purpose. In most cases, regular cups are simply decorated or inscribed with names or blessings, rendering them exclusively for the Kiddush.
The Kiddush in Iraq was often made with a covered cup and saucer of this type. The form is unique to Iraqi Jewish culture and is recorded in several variations. The cover of the cup often carried the figure of a bird. The symbol of the bird is found on one type of Iraqi Chanukah menorah as well. Among this sort of wine cup, this example is particularly large and finely made. Many of these were made by Jewish craftsmen in silversmithing workshops in Iraq. It is said that the cover was employed in order to protect the wine from the plethora of flies that plagued the country.