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Early Decorative Brass Box, by Bezalel School of Arts, Jerusalem, 1912
$4,200
£3,204.71
€3,645.60
CA$5,898.16
A$6,454.83
CHF 3,410.81
MX$77,042.63
NOK 43,526.18
SEK 39,808.23
DKK 27,230.76
About the Item
A magnificent early example of Bezalel craftsmanship, this rectangular decorative box—crafted in Jerusalem in 1912—embodies the artistic ideals and national spirit of the Bezalel School during its formative years. Made of brass with its original wooden interior paneling, the box showcases the intricate metalwork, symbolic imagery, and masterful repoussé technique that defined Bezalel’s earliest creations.
The exterior is richly embossed with an array of foliate scrolls and highly detailed botanical motifs. The lid presents a magnificent central tableau: two elegant trophy vases anchor the composition on either side, each overflowing with long, flowing laurel branches and blossoming floral forms. From these vases emerge upward-sweeping stems terminating in tulip-like blossoms, creating a rhythmic and harmonious decorative structure. Interspersed between them are additional foliate patterns—elongated laurel leaves culminating in sunflower-like blooms, adding a sense of movement and natural vitality.
At the heart of the design stands a large, stylized menorah, entirely formed of foliate elements. Its branches bloom with delicately rendered flowers, while its stem and base are composed of interwoven laurel motifs. Flanking the menorah are two endearing lions with subtly smiling expressions, each resting a front paw against the menorah’s stem—an iconic Bezalel symbol of guardianship, Jewish pride, and spiritual strength.
Surrounding this lush “foliate sanctuary” is a beautifully embossed Hebrew inscription reading:
"בית מדרש של אומנות בצלאל ירושלים" – “Bezalel Jerusalem School of Arts”
Alongside the biblical phrase:
“שאלו שלום ירושלם ישליו אהביך. ויהי שלום בחילך שלוה בארמנותיך”
(“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you prosper. Peace be within your walls, tranquility within your palaces.”)
These inscriptions frame the lid with spiritual resonance, and at each corner, Star of David motifs—rendered in the distinctive early Bezalel style—further emphasize the national and artistic identity of the workshop.
The sides of the box continue the decorative richness, bearing matching foliate and laurel-swag embossing, enhancing the visual continuity of the piece. The interior opens to reveal the original wooden paneling, well-preserved and adding warmth to the otherwise gleaming brass exterior.
Two features make this box particularly exceptional and rare:
The full inscription “Bezalel Jerusalem School of Arts”—a formulation seldom found on Bezalel objects, making this example especially noteworthy.
The early date of manufacture, 1912, embossed directly beneath the central menorah and the lions, marking it as an early and historically significant piece created during the school’s pioneering years.
This box is not merely a decorative object—it is a testament to the Bezalel School’s vision of merging Jewish symbolism, biblical motifs, and contemporary art. With its exceptional detail, early date, and rare inscription, it stands as an important collector’s piece representing the very heart of early 20th-century Jewish art and cultural revival in Jerusalem.
- Dimensions:Height: 1.82 in (4.6 cm)Width: 7.17 in (18.2 cm)Depth: 4.02 in (10.2 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1910-1919
- Date of Manufacture:1912
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. The wood paneling on the inside of the lid is a bit bent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5281247594612
About the Seller
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