Italian Torah Ark Curtain, 18th century

(75 x 64 in.; 190 x 162 cm). Pale blue silk brocade, floral basket at center embroidered with brightly colored silk and metallic threads, lettering worked in metallic threads, metallic border bullion fringe, brass rings attached to top edge, blue cotton lining; some faint staining along bottom.  

This elegant parokhet, made of blue silk brocade, is embroidered with silk threads in shades of light green, yellow, red and white.  A panel with the words, Kadosh la-Hashem (Holy to God) embroidered in silver thread adorns the upper portion of the curtain; below, an elaborate basket worked in silver thread is filled with a colorful array of flowers including carnations and roses.