Artwork Page for Miniature Torah Ark

Details / Information for Miniature Torah Ark

Miniature Torah Ark

1858
assayer

Yakov Aleksiyevich Davydov

(active 1857–62)
Culture
Ukraine, Zhytomyr
Medium
silver, partial gilt
Measurements
Overall: 50.8 x 38.1 x 20.3 cm (20 x 15 x 8 in.)
Credit Line
Mishkan Or Museum of Jewish Cultures, Hilda Marian Stone Memorial Fund, #1955.1 5.2024
Copyright
© Mishkan Or Museum of Jewish Cultures, Congregation Mishkan Or
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
219 19th Century European
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Did You Know?

Zhytomyr had a large and diverse Jewish community and was a center of Jewish book publishing.

Description

An ark is an ornate cabinet in Jewish temples that houses the sacred Torah scrolls. The elaborate architectural form of this object was inspired by carved wood arks in Eastern European (especially Polish and Ukrainian) synagogues. Silver miniature arks are very rare; this luxurious example contained a small scroll (now lost). Its embellishments include the Lions of Judah, birds and griffins, the Tablets of the Law, the Hands of Blessing, and a Hebrew banner that reads “And you shall make an ark cover of pure gold” (Exodus 25:17).
A miniature Torah Ark, an architectural vessel for sacred scrolls, features a tiered silver and gilt design supported by four winged creatures. The central cabinet doors display bird and floral motifs, flanked by golden columns and small blossoming trees. Intricate, perforated silver filigree frames the structure, while golden lions and birds adorn the levels. At the top, two gilt tablets inscribed with Hebrew characters rest beneath a decorative arch.

Miniature Torah Ark

1858

Yakov Aleksiyevich Davydov

(active 1857–62)
Ukraine, Zhytomyr

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