Israeli Judaica Sterling Silver Kiddush Cup with Star of David and Filigree Banding
Hollowware (Kiddush Cup / Ceremonial Goblet) · Unknown Israeli Silversmith / Maker, likely produced in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv following traditional Mid-Century Israeli silversmithing craftsmanship, often associated with studios like Hazorfim or similar artisan workshops.
Pattern: Traditional Judaica Ceremonial Kiddush Cup Pattern featuring engraved Star of David and geometric friezes, common in mid-to-late 20th-century Israeli export and domestic markets.
Type
Hollowware (Kiddush Cup / Ceremonial Goblet)
Maker
Unknown Israeli Silversmith / Maker, likely produced in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv following traditional Mid-Century Israeli silversmithing craftsmanship, often associated with studios like Hazorfim or similar artisan workshops.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), standard composition for Israeli quality export silverware; often bears standard `.925` or Hebrew hallmark stamps indicating Israeli silver standard.
Dimensions
Estimated height of approximately 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm) with a top rim diameter of roughly 2.5 inches (6 cm); estimated weight between 40 to 80 grams depending on whether the base is reinforced.
Description
An elegant and traditional ceremonial Kiddush cup crafted from bright sterling silver. The goblet features a gracefully flared bowl adorned with fine, hand-etched geometric borders encircling the upper rim and a cleanly engraved Star of David at the center. The slender baluster stem rests upon a stepped, flared circular foot accented with delicate beaded wire detailing. Showing a natural aged tarnish patina, this piece serves both as a functional ritual object and a meaningful expression of Jewish heritage and artisan craftsmanship.
Key Features
Centrally engraved Star of David motif, traditional Kiddush goblet silhouette, hand-etched geometric banding, and Israeli sterling silver composition.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), standard composition for Israeli quality export silverware; often bears standard `.925` or Hebrew hallmark stamps indicating Israeli silver standard.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with visible dark tarnish patina in recessed areas. Decorated with hand-engraved geometric horizontal banding, beaded borders around the foot and stem, and a prominent centrally engraved Star of David (Magen David) motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include a purity stamp such as '.925' or 'STERLING', potentially accompanied by Hebrew lettering or an Israeli maker's cartouche near the base rim.
Construction Details
Likely multi-part construction consisting of a spun or raised bowl, a cast or turned baluster stem, and a flared circular foot soldered together. Traditional artisan assembly common in Middle Eastern and Israeli workshops.
Functional Features
Designed specifically for ritual use during the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) and holiday Kiddush blessings, holding sacramental wine.
Handle & Grip Details
Stemmed goblet form featuring a contoured baluster stem and flared foot designed for easy grasping; solid silver construction without auxiliary handle materials.
Craftsmanship Details
Combines machine-spun or formed body components with hand-engraving and manual soldering at the stem joints, representing standard commercial artisan workshop quality of the period.
Authentication Indicators
Proportions, hand-etched engraving style, and construction methods align with mid-century Israeli silver export production. Definitive verification requires inspection of the maker's stamp and purity mark near the foot rim.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Israel (likely Jerusalem or Tel Aviv), drawing on European immigrant silversmithing traditions infused with distinct Middle Eastern and Jewish motifs.
Era & Period
Mid-to-Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1980s), reflecting post-independence Israeli Judaica craft traditions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 to 1980, deduced from the commonalty of this specific style of lightweight tourist and ceremonial export silver produced in post-statehood Israel.
Cultural Significance
Deeply significant in Jewish religious life and family traditions, representing holiness, joy, and the sanctification of time during Shabbat and major holidays.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with moderate, even sulfide tarnish (darkening) across the surface. No major dents, structural splits, or visible repairs are apparent. The surface shows minor micro-scratches consistent with gentle cleaning and handling over time.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $50 and $150 USD, depending on exact silver weight, maker attribution, and overall collector demand for vintage Judaica.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a professional silver cream (such as Wright's Silver Cream) and a soft cloth to reduce heavy tarnish while preserving the dark contrast in the engraved recesses. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag in a low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
Similar Kiddush cups are produced by prominent Israeli silversmithing houses such as Hazorfim, Bier, and various Jerusalem artisan workshops, typically differing in weight, ornate repoussé work, or filigree complexity.
Interesting Facts
Kiddush cups are central ritual objects in Jewish households, used weekly to sanctify the Sabbath and festivals. Following the establishment of Israel in 1948, a thriving local silver industry emerged, blending traditional European silversmithing techniques with vibrant Jewish iconography.