Bidspirit auction | Japanese Judaica Beth El Torah

Japanese Judaica Beth El Torah curtain -Nagasaki Japan 1900 - The Torah curtain is the only one of its kind. It incorporates Asian and European design to make up a truly impressive ceremonial item. The ground of the curtain is made of purple silk. On the top is the passage from Deuteronomy 32.12. Below is a double headed eagle ( emblem of the Austro Hungarian empire) with grape vines and clusters made of silk. Below is a passage from song of songs 4.1. Below are two phoenix (Fenghuang in Chinese) resting on a embroidered platform held up by pillars with finely embroidered lions holding the tablets with ten commandments written on them.   Passage from numbers 10.35 .right above them. Below is a passage from the Halel prayer below that a passage from numbers 8.2 referring to the menorah. A menorah emblem and two unicorns with their horns in mouth underneath. The curtain is flanked by embroidered jade trees. A common Chinese/Japanese motif seemingly taking the place of the more traditional tree of life. On the back is a dedication written : presented by LD Lessner ( Leb Lessner spiritual leader of the community) Nagasaki Japan 25th of may 1900 to Dr Stein president of the community. Nagasaki community timeline 1500's- Jews are among the Dutch traders to reach Nagasaki port 1854- treaty of Kanagawa signed between US and Japan thus opening the doors for a small number of Jewish Merchants into Japan (kobe and Tokyo) 1880-1896 founding of Jewish community of Nagasaki and the building of the Beth El Synagogue and Jewish cemetery 1904- Russo-Japanese War breaks out and the beginning of the deterioration of the Jewish community of Nagasaki. The Torah scrolls ( and probably this Torah curtain) are sent to the Jewish community of Kobe 1920 – Sigmund Lessner dies and shortly after, the Zionist association in Shanghai orders the Japanese Gov to auction of the community synagogue and land. A check of 2618$ is sent to The Zionist Association. *Nagasaki Jewish community was the largest of the three Jewish community in Japan important symbolism -A Judeo-Asian  Synthesis   Double Headed Eagle – represents the Austro Hungarian empire (homeland of Leb Lessner , Gabbai and spiritual leader of the community and donor of the Torah curtain crown- crown of the Torah lions- lion of Judah as well as general Jewish symbol Phoenix- prevalent In ancient and modern Chinese culture. Often found at weddings or for royalty along with dragons. Dragon-phoenix motif known to be a sign of blissful relations between husband and wife. Unicorn- auspicious animal in both European and Asian folklore. The horn is known to be a elixir ( notice on the curtain the horns are held in the unicorns mouth. Jade tree- Jade tree has vibrant green leaves that are symbolic of wealth and posterity. The jade plant gives of nourishing Chi ( similar to Hebrew word for life Chai) energy. Here the jade trees represent the tree of life. Which is the ultimate source of Chi in Judaism.  *There were never more than 2000 Jews living in Japan and usually no more than 400. This item is of the rarest type of Judaica Dimensions: 158cm*190cm Condition: silk ground is fraying, braided stitching on borders need reattaching. The silk and metal/silver embroidery is in good condition