Large, handsome besamim tower, with handmade filigree work.

Large, handsome besamim tower, with handmade filigree work.

Precise work made for a special order by one of Israel’s greatest collectors by the artist Shmuel Moshe (see below). Made of a few levels in the style of an Ottoman fortress. The receptacle for spices in square, and around it are floral ornaments. On the faces are handsome pillars with flags, and bells. Above it is a square with an octagonal stand from which an octagonal arched roof emerges. At the top are small balls and a flag. All of this is on a square base with a leg and standing on four matching legs. The receptacle opens with a clasp. Height: 33.5cm. Weight: 379g. Slackness in the foot, crookedness along its length, a magnificent item and spectacular in its beauty in good condition.

The artist: Shmuel Moshe was a craftsman and jeweler of handmade, pure silver products. The products were works of art made in a unique filigree style. The style mainly characterizes the artwork of the goldsmiths who immigrated from Arab countries and especially from Yemen, Persia, Kurdistan and Morocco. The unique style and design of these products, had a connection and integration with the profession of goldsmithing that was studied and also practiced in the well-known "Bezalel" school. Some of the goldsmiths who immigrated to Israel were employed by Bezalel and thus made a mutual contribution and interaction in the development of the unique profession of goldsmithing. These goldsmiths worked with full vigor and investment until their extreme old age. Shmuel died in Jerusalem around the age of 90.