Crown
Ukraine, c1820
Silver, partly gilt

This exquisitely designed and crafted crown belongs to a small group of delicate pieces from Galicia. The tree represents the Torah, which is referred to as Etz Haim (Tree of Life). Smiling cast deer and lions in two ranks support the tree. This gives concrete expression to the phrase recited upon returning the Sefer Torah to the Ark: "The Torah is a Tree of Life to those who hold fast to it, and he who supports it is happy."

There is a similar piece in the Lavra Museum in Kiev, and another in the Jews College in London.

Heigth: 24.3 cm, Diameter: 16.5 cm

enlarge