Torah Shield from Congregation Beth Israel-Judea, San Francisco, California

Accession NumberType
WJHC 2006.011.4Art & Artifacts

Description

In Ashkenazi and other communities, a decorative shield hangs in front of a closed Torah scroll, to adorn it and at times to distinguish it from others kept in the Torah ark. Torah shields are also referred to as “breastplates” since they recall and …
Artifact Details
ClassificationTORAH SCROLLS, COVERS, ADORNMENTS AND POINTERS
Artist/CreatorShreve & Co.
Creation PlaceUnited States, San Francisco, California
Date Created19th Century
Physical DescriptionSilver with cast and chased decoration; crown at top with three hanging bells, flanked by two crowned lions and with eagle at top center; attached box at center flanked by two Corinthian columns, with lid depicting tablets, containing chased silver scroll; two inscription in Roman script; container for scroll identifying tag; floral motifs.
Mediumsterling silver
LanguageEnglish
ScriptLatin
CollectionCongregation Beth Israel-Judea, San Francisco (Calif.) Ritual Objects
Credit LineGift of Congregation Beth Israel-Judea

Category