Torah Shield

A wide border of beadwork, parallel lines, and rosettes, all worked in repoussé, frames this rectangular shield with arcuated top. Two gilt columns with elaborate stepped bases and capitals "float" in the field. A pair of rampant lions, also gilt, have been placed above the capitals; they reach toward a gilt crown centered at the top. The rest of the filed is filled with foliate scrolls, flowers, and strapwork, placed symmetrically about a vertical axis. At the center is a recessed holder for holiday name plates. Only one of the five bells originally suspended from the lower border survives; three of the existing bells are later replacements. The cast suspension piece is an elaborate composition of masks, scrolls, and a cherub. Only two of the three original chains remain.
The composition of this shield lacks cohesiveness; the elements appear to float without clear relation to one another. Even the floral ornamentation consists of discrete forms without organic unity. Schedel also created a ceremonial goblet for the Burial Society of a Hessen community, a Hanukkah lamp in The Jewish Museum and an etrog container in the Frankfurt Historical Museum.