An Embroidered Torah Mantle Austria, 1889

richly embroidered on a green background in gold coloured metallic thread with the Hebrew letters K (keter) and T (Torah), a crown, the monogram of Franz Josef I, and a laurel wreath enclosing the Hebrew dedication inscription: "In honor of the 40 year jubilee of the reign of our king, Kaiser Franz Josef I, may he be elevated 1849 -1889".

Emperor of Austria from 1848 – 1916, Franz Josef I of Hapsburg won the popularity of Jews in his empire and abroad. The start of his reign marks the Jewish renaissance in Vienna, partially due to their participation in the 1848 civil war. The emperor appreciated the loyalty of the Jewish sector and in 1867 signed a decree granting them full citizenship rights. Under his leadership, Jews prospered and became predominant in all spheres of life, contributing to Vienna's cultural and scientific achievements. Synagogues were well attended for services held on his birthday. Franz Josef visited Jerusalem in 1869 where he met with Jewish representatives and contributed to the completion of the Nisan Bak Synagogue. Upon his death, the Austrian Zionists described him as "the donor of civil rights and equality before the law, and their ever benevolent protector". (see: Encyclopeadia Judaica vol 4:59)