Obj. ID: 35823 Havdalah cup, Afghanistan, circa 1920
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.
Distinctive ritual wine cups are unusual for much of the eastern and Sephardic tradition, but this specific form was crafted in Afghanistan. This cup for the blessing of the wine is made especially for the Havdalah ceremony which separates the Sabbath from the beginning of the week. The cup is inscribed with appropriate Havdalah inscriptions. The shape, growing wider from a narrow base with this form and technique of decoration, is typical of the rare cups found from the eastern Jewish communities, particularly Afghanistan.
Inscription: I will lift up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord (Psalms 116:13) B(aruch) A(tah) A(donai) E(loheinu) M(elech) H('olam) B(orei) P(ri) H(gefen)