Obj. ID: 39229  Shabbat and Holiday Challah Cover, Vienna, circa 1880

The following description was prepared by William Gross:     

This is one of the most elaborate textiles for Shabbat recorded.  It is a very special embroidery with metallic thread on velvet.  The raised embroidery is over cardboard, as on the Parochet. The use of the term "Elokim" as opposed to the term "Elohim" would indicated Hassidic origin and the sumptuous nature of the piece would be consistent with the life style of the Ruzhiner court in Vienna from the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The center contains the depiction of a Kiddush cup of grand design and proportions. The raised gold metal thread inscription in a circle around the cup is the blessing over the wine. The cup is also encircled by a decorative ring in a motif sometimes seen in Viennese silver work, either hand-engraved or machined.   

Inscription:  Baruch Atah Adonai Elokeinu Melekh........