Bezalel tall ewer for ritual hand−washing

The ewer was created in the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts, Jerusalem, 1906-29Stylized menorahs adorn the ewer’s neck, and its body is decorated with interlaced lamps inside medallions. The words of the blessing are interspersed with flowers and Stars of David. A crescent – emblem of the Ottoman empire – surmounts the pointed lid. The ewer’s design recalls that of similar vessels originating from Islamic countries, and its decorative motifs consist of dense trelliswork and interlaced patterns. The scroll handle is shaped like an imaginary animal.

Inscriptions: around the upper part of the body, “Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of hands” (blessing recited upon performing ritual hand−washing); around the neck, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” (Ethics of the Fathers 1:14)(blessing recited upon performing ritual hand−washing); around the neck, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” (Ethics of the Fathers 1:14)

Credit: The Alan and Riva Slifka Collection