Silver-Plated Copper Pomegranate Figurine by Hazorfim
Decorative Object / Judaica Hollowware · Hazorfim. Established in 1952 in Israel by Yosef Merdinger, it is the world's largest silver manufacturer of Judaica, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury designs for high-end ceremonial art.
Pattern: Pomegranate (Rimon) Collection; part of a long-standing line of symbolic fruit-themed Judaica; currently in production as a classic giftware item.
Type
Decorative Object / Judaica Hollowware
Maker
Hazorfim. Established in 1952 in Israel by Yosef Merdinger, it is the world's largest silver manufacturer of Judaica, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury designs for high-end ceremonial art.
Material
Likely silver-plated copper (electroplate) or rose gold-plated sterling silver. The visible copper-red undertones suggest a base metal of copper or brass with an electrolytic finish. If genuine sterling, the reddish hue indicates high copper content or a rose gold wash.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in height and width. Estimated weight between 150-250 grams depending on whether the base is weighted or the metal thickness. This is an 'individual' or 'medium' sized shelf ornament.
Description
A striking and lustrous depiction of a pomegranate, a sacred symbol of abundance and righteousness. This Hazorfim piece captures the organic soul of the fruit through a mirror-polished surface that plays with light. The warm, coppery-rose tone gives it a distinct warmth compared to traditional white silver, making it a standout decorative accent for a festive table or display cabinet.
Key Features
The 'Crown' calyx, the organic 'lumpy' texture, and the signature circular company seal/medallion applied directly to the body of the fruit.
Material & Composition
Likely silver-plated copper (electroplate) or rose gold-plated sterling silver. The visible copper-red undertones suggest a base metal of copper or brass with an electrolytic finish. If genuine sterling, the reddish hue indicates high copper content or a rose gold wash.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a rose-toned/copper-tinted luster. The decoration is organic and naturalist, mimicking the lumpy skin of a real fruit with a crown-like calyx at the top. It features a distinctive applied circular seal/medallion near the base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A circular medallion ' Hazorfim 925' or 'Hazorfim Silver Plate' stamp. In the image, the circular mark appears to be the Hazorfim company logo, which often contains the brand name and the silver purity if sterling.
Construction Details
Likely electroformed or die-struck in two halves and seamlessly joined. The calyx appears to be cast separately and soldered to the main body. The surface shows smooth undulations consistent with modern industrial silver forming techniques.
Functional Features
Primarily decorative, though some versions of this design function as small honey jars or etrog containers if they have a hinged lid; this specific piece appears to be a solid/closed decorative paperweight or figurine.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the calyx acts as a visual grip but is not intended for heavy handling. It is integrated into the structural design of the crown.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial craftsmanship. While machine-aided in its formation, the polishing and application of segments like the calyx require skilled hand-finishing to achieve the seamless mirror effect.
Authentication Indicators
The circular Hazorfim mark is the primary indicator. The quality of the join at the calyx and the weight distribution are typical of their factory-produced luxury items.
Origin & Manufacturing
Israel; specifically the Hazorfim workshop in Modi'in (near Tel Aviv). It carries the traditions of Eastern European silversmiths who emigrated to Israel and combined their skills with Mediterranean motifs.
Era & Period
Contemporary Judaica (Late 20th to Early 21st Century). It reflects the modern Israeli school of silversmithing where traditional symbols are rendered in sleek, minimalist, and high-shine forms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day. The style and hallmark medallion are characteristic of Hazorfim's modern giftware line produced over the last 30 years.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of fertility, prosperity, and the New Year (Rosh Hashanah). This object represents the intersection of luxury commercial manufacture and religious artistic expression in modern Israeli culture.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are visible surface scratches and 'spider' lines consistent with handling. The reddish/copper tone suggests either intentional rose-gold plating or the wearing down of a thin silver layer to the base copper metal. No major dents observed.
Value Estimate
$100 - $250 USD if silver-plated; $400 - $600 USD if solid sterling silver. Price is highly dependent on confirming the metal purity via the stamp within the medallion.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth. If silver-plated, avoid abrasive creams which will strip the finish. Use a very mild liquid polish like Town Talk or Hagerty Silver Foam. Avoid keeping it in high-humidity areas to prevent rapid tarnishing of the copper base.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Silver Fruits (heavier, usually .925 marked on bottom), Christofle silver-plated fruit (more neoclassical), or smaller unbranded Moroccan silver pomegranates (usually hand-hammered with less refined hallmarking).
Interesting Facts
In Jewish tradition, the pomegranate is said to contain 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. Hazorfim pieces are frequently gifted to world leaders and displayed in prominent synagogues worldwide.