104 - KIDDUSH CUP BY THE BEZALEL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS. JERUSALEM, PALESTINE, FIRST THIRD OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

KIDDUSH CUP BY THE BEZALEL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS. JERUSALEM, PALESTINE, FIRST THIRD OF THE 20TH CENTURY. A ritual Kiddush cup made in Jerusalem in the tradition of the workshops of the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. Crafted in gilt metal, the cup displays the elegant proportions characteristic of early Jerusalem Judaica, with a body widening towards the rim and raised on a circular, moulded foot. The surface is embellished with engraved and repoussé decoration against a contrasting punched ground. The composition incorporates a Star of David surrounded by stylised foliate scrolls, together with the prominent Hebrew inscription “בורא פרי הגפן” - “Who creates the fruit of the vine”, the concluding formula of the blessing recited over wine. The combination of Jewish symbolism, decorative Hebrew calligraphy, Oriental-inspired vegetal ornament and hand-worked metal is characteristic of the artistic vocabulary associated with early Bezalel. The cup was intended for the performance of Kiddush, the blessing over wine recited at the beginning of Shabbat and Jewish festivals. The carefully conceived decoration transforms this functional ritual vessel into an expressive work of Judaica in which sacred text and ornament form an integrated composition. The attribution of the object to the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts was made by expert Mikhail Itkin. Dimensions: Height 9 cm. Width 6.5 cm. Width: 6.5cm, Height: 9cm, Depth: 6.5cm, Weight: 0.07kg, Condition: Good, Material: Gilding, Metal, Chasing, ID: ID-ANTQ-3051