Bidspirit auction | Early Israel bronze art. Tzel

Early Israel bronze art. Tzel Zion. Chicken. H: 16 cm, Middle W: 7 cm, Base: 6.5 cm. Quite good condition. - The Tzel-Tzion company was an Israeli workshop that operated mainly in the 1950s and became famous for producing Hanukkah menorahs, unique utensils, Israeliana items, and artistically designed metal products. Located near Jaffa, it combined artistic craftsmanship with high-quality mass production. Their creations were considered innovative and at times experimental in terms of design, yet they were also rooted in the emerging Israeli artistic tradition of that period. Zohar Tzel-Tzion (1927–2004): Zohar was the director of the workshop and the individual who led the company’s daily operations. He ensured collaboration with leading designers and artists, and oversaw the actual design and production process. Under his management, Tzel-Tzion became an influential force in the field of applied arts. Gila Tzel-Tzion (Zohar’s mother): Gila was a talented sculptor and designer, despite having no formal training. Many of the objects produced by Tzel-Tzion were inspired by her or created by her own hand. She brought a personal and creative perspective to the company, contributing to the aesthetic success of its products. Additional Designers: To enrich its range of designs, the company also worked with well-known artists and designers such as Ze’ev Raban (a pioneer of the “Bezalel” style, known for its distinctly Middle Eastern character) and Zohara Schatz (the daughter of Boris Schatz, the founder of “Bezalel, ” and an esteemed artist in her own right). These collaborations resulted in creations that engaged with the emerging Israeli design language, combining a Jewish-traditional dimension with modernist influences. Products and Export: Among the items produced by the company were Hanukkah menorahs, candlesticks, Judaica objects, decorative utensils, and luxury gifts. Many of these products were well-received abroad, and the company exported a substantial amount to the United States. Their quality and originality helped establish Tzel-Tzion as a recognized brand in Judaica and Israeliana shops in America and worldwide. Peak and Decline: The company reached its peak in the 1950s, as Israel’s young visual culture was taking shape and demand grew for unique, “authentic” items from the Land of Israel. However, economic difficulties, market competition, and possibly changes in consumer tastes ultimately led to the company’s closure in 1961. Collectible and Historical Significance: Today, Tzel-Tzion items are considered sought-after collectibles. They serve as tangible evidence of a transitional era, reflecting the consolidation of a distinct local Israeli style and the encounter between Jewish tradition, modernist art, and international influences. These pieces are sometimes sold at auctions, displayed in museum collections, and garner significant interest among collectors of Judaica and Israeli design.