35 - Nephtalie KAHN (1865–1949)

Nephtalie KAHN (1865–1949) Pierced and woven ostrich egg depicting the Legion of Honor surrounded by Art Deco motifs. "NK" monogram woven in bold letters, signed "NK" in pierced work in the center right, dated "June 6, 1865–1933." Presented on its original base, crafted by the artist Egg H_16.5 cm L_12 cm Base H_36 cm L_13 cm There is a slight horizontal crack in the shell Nephtalie KAHN (1865–1949) was an Alsatian artist from Scherwiller, in the Bas-Rhin department. Passionate about the decorative arts and embroidery from childhood, he developed an original artistic technique: embroidery on eggshells. This technique involves delicately piercing the shells and then threading fine colored silk threads through them to create geometric patterns, animals, or emblems. His work was notably featured at the International Exhibitions in Paris in 1925 and 1937. His work is linked to Alsatian folk art through its inspiration drawn from artisanal traditions, particularly embroidery and regional decorative motifs. In this way, he transformed traditional craftsmanship into a personal and original artistic creation. His life story is also significant in the context of World War II. Of Jewish descent, he was arrested in January 1943 and interned at the Drancy camp. Due to illness, he was transferred to Rothschild Hospital, which ultimately spared him from deportation. His story bears witness to the persecution suffered by Jewish communities and the fragility of Alsatian cultural heritage during that period. Nephtalie KAHN left behind a rare body of work that bridges traditional Alsatian craftsmanship and the decorative arts. In fact, the artist refused to sell his creations, preferring to give them to friends or museums. Suggested bibliography and webography: André-Marc Haarscher, *Nephtalie Kahn (1865–1949), the Egg Embroiderer*, published in 1996, bibliographic reference C1337 Article: Judaism in Alsace and Lorraine – Nephtalie KAHN Related Works: An egg embroidered with the coat of arms of the city of Rouen is housed at the Natural History Museum of Rouen. The museum also houses eggs decorated with depictions of exotic birds and butterflies. A collection of embroidered eggshells is housed at the Musée Alsacien in Strasbourg.