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An Important Pair of Passover Textiles, Alsace, 1832
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
painted cotton.
towel 52 by 15 1/2 in.; pillow 32 by 30 1/2 in.
132.1 by 39.4 cm; 81.3 by 77.5 cm
This elaborate set of Passover textiles is a magnificent example of the art of Alsatian Jews. The seder towel, known in Judeo-Alsatian as Sederzwehl, demonstrates the Jewish adaptation of Alsatian folk practice of hanging an embroidered show towel to cover the soiled towels used for hand washing. Alsatian Jews, in a similar fashion, created and decorated show towels to cover the towels used during the Seder hand-washing ceremonies.
The towel inscribed in Hebrew: Created for Solomon, son of Naftali and his wife by Kalman Bachrach of Arishaen. Embellished with scenes of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The central medallion depicting a family celebrating Passover seder flanked by heraldic lions, and an elaborate floral basket. Together with a matching cushion cover, painted with a basket of fruit, birds and a floral wreath, both with texts relating to the Passover seder. Similar Passover towels, perhaps by the same artist, are in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York, dated 1828 (F 5004), and another, dated 1831, is in a private collection.
The accompanying cushion cover would have decorated the cushion which the head of the family would lean upon during the Seder, a gesture symbolizing the liberation from the slavery in Egypt.
RELATED LITERATURE:
Barbara Kirschenblatt-Gimblett and Cissy Grossman, Fabric of Jewish Life, 1977, no. 228
Bonni-Dara Michaels, Gabriel M. Goldstein and Stephen O. Parnes, The Art of Passover, 1994, pp. 48-53
towel 52 by 15 1/2 in.; pillow 32 by 30 1/2 in.
132.1 by 39.4 cm; 81.3 by 77.5 cm
This elaborate set of Passover textiles is a magnificent example of the art of Alsatian Jews. The seder towel, known in Judeo-Alsatian as Sederzwehl, demonstrates the Jewish adaptation of Alsatian folk practice of hanging an embroidered show towel to cover the soiled towels used for hand washing. Alsatian Jews, in a similar fashion, created and decorated show towels to cover the towels used during the Seder hand-washing ceremonies.
The towel inscribed in Hebrew: Created for Solomon, son of Naftali and his wife by Kalman Bachrach of Arishaen. Embellished with scenes of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The central medallion depicting a family celebrating Passover seder flanked by heraldic lions, and an elaborate floral basket. Together with a matching cushion cover, painted with a basket of fruit, birds and a floral wreath, both with texts relating to the Passover seder. Similar Passover towels, perhaps by the same artist, are in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York, dated 1828 (F 5004), and another, dated 1831, is in a private collection.
The accompanying cushion cover would have decorated the cushion which the head of the family would lean upon during the Seder, a gesture symbolizing the liberation from the slavery in Egypt.
RELATED LITERATURE:
Barbara Kirschenblatt-Gimblett and Cissy Grossman, Fabric of Jewish Life, 1977, no. 228
Bonni-Dara Michaels, Gabriel M. Goldstein and Stephen O. Parnes, The Art of Passover, 1994, pp. 48-53
Provenance
Sotheby Parke-Bernet Galleries, Judaica and Other Works of Art, October 10, 1979, lot 233
Literature
Condition
Scattered stains on both.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.