Mizrah

This small paper-cut mizrah was found by its owner in a first edition (1853) of Isaac Leeser's translation of the Hebrew scriptures. Michael has achieved a pleasing harmony and balance between positive and negative space. At the center of this symmetrical composition, a heart emerges from an eight-branched Hanukkah lamp. On the heart is inscribed: "East." Another heart bisects a flowering-leaf motif along the top border. Between the two hearts, the artist placed an eight-pointed star, which motif is reiterated in the row of stars along the bottom border. Two rampant lions balanced on flowering trees flank the large central heart, while stylized doves perch on flowering plants that emerge from urns. At either side, flowering vines encircle a column. In each of the four corners is a compass-drawn six-petaled rosette.