A Finely Embroidered Tallit Katan, Italy, 18th century

A tallit katan (small prayer shawl) is a fringed ritual garment traditionally worn either under or over one’s clothing by Jewish males and serves to remind the wearer of the commandments of the Torah and the words of God. This elaborately embroidered garment was likely made for a young boy to wear at a special occasion, such as his bar mitzvah.

Each of the four corners and the neckline is embellished with silk and gilt metallic threads stitched in floral patterns. Tsitsit (specially knotted fringes) are tied to each of the corners, and at center the hole large enough for a head to go through has been basted shut. Lavishly embroidered tallitot ketannot are exceedingly rare, and it is exceptionally unusual to find one with the ritual fringes still attached.

Physical Description

Silk embroidered with multicolored silk and gilt metallic threads, edged with gilt metallic lace and with fringes attached at all four corners (28 x 20 in.; 710 x 560 mm). Few stains on the front portion of the tsitsit.