Bidspirit auction | An Olivewood Etrog Container –

An Olivewood Etrog Container – Israel, Circa 1900 - This exceptional oval-shaped etrog container, crafted in Israel around 1900, is hand-carved entirely from local olivewood, embodying both artistry and devotion. The box features gently rounded sides and a hinged lid, richly adorned with symbolic Judaic and Holy Land motifs. The front of the container is decorated with three finely carved landscapes: The Temple Mount, representing Jerusalem’s eternal spiritual center. The Western Wall (Kotel HaMa’aravi), depicted with careful attention to its monumental stones, symbolizing the unbroken link of prayer and longing. Rachel’s Tomb (Kever Rachel), carved as a tender evocation of the matriarch’s resting place and enduring connection to the Jewish people. The lid is crowned with an especially elaborate composition: two large laurel leaves, boldly carved and jutting outward, tied together at their stems. Above the tied section rests a symbolic inkwell with quill, and at the center lies an open book with finely carved pages, evoking Torah study and the written word. Around the edges of the lid runs a Hebrew inscription citing the verses from the Torah describing the Arba Minim (Four Species) of Sukkot. At the very top, the word “Jerusalem” (ירושלים) is carved in bold Hebrew letters. The form is enhanced by subtly overhanging rounded rims at the base and lid, lending the container both balance and elegance. At the front, a small keyhole and clasp secure the lid, ensuring the safety of the etrog inside. Opening the case reveals the original purple cloth felt lining, remarkably well-preserved, with a rare and significant stamp. The Hebrew inscription reads: “מנחת זכרון מזכרת נצח מאת כולל עסט[רייך] אונגארין בעה”ק ירושלם תובב”א” (“A memorial gift, an eternal keepsake, from the Kolel ‘Aust[ria] Ungarin’ in the Holy City of Jerusalem, may it be built and established”). This inscription signifies that the box was presented as a gift from the Austrian-Hungarian Kolel of Jerusalem, likely to one of its distinguished scholars, benefactors, or prominent patrons, as a token of lasting gratitude and appreciation. Overall, this container is not only a functional and beautifully carved etrog box but also a historical artifact of Jerusalem’s Jewish community life at the turn of the 20th century — a piece resonating with artistry, devotion, and heritage. 16cm W., 11cm D., 9cm H.