Bidspirit auction | Impressive Torah Shield by the

Impressive Torah Shield by the Jewish Silversmith Yosef Erlich. Poland, late 19th century - Historical item from a Polish synagogue, handcrafted and stamped by Jewish-Polish silversmith Yosef Erlich. Most impressive handcraft, with gilt silver and figures of animals.  The structure of the shield is typical of silver shields of the 19th century in Poland. Hammer-work, cutting, sawing and flattening. The shield is adorned with handmade floral elements surrondings its border. On its top, two quality gilt lions holding a crown. Beneath the crown, the gilt figure of a horned gazelle with 2 small lions by its sides.  On the two sides of the shield, beneath the lions, a Hebrew dedication to the Talalim Synagogue.  In the center, a later Hebrew dedication from the early 20th century, donation of the woman Sarah the wife of Avraham Stonelevich to the synagogue.  This item is signed by the Jewish silversmith Yosef Erlich, who operated in Poland in the second half of the 19th century. Another item by his hand was auctioned by us in 2022, Taj Art Sale 5, lot 110.  An impressive, high-quality Polish piece, by a known Jewish silversmith.