Israeli Judaica Bezalel School Style Silver Plated Siddur or Compact Case
Decorative Object / Vanity Set - Religious Book Cover or Compact Case · Unmarked Israeli or Middle Eastern Silversmith, likely influenced by the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, which popularized traditional motifs and repoussé imagery in early-to-mid 20th century Judaica.
Pattern: Jerusalem Architectural and Twelve Tribes of Israel Motif, featuring the Tower of David and the Western Wall
Type
Decorative Object / Vanity Set - Religious Book Cover or Compact Case
Maker
Unmarked Israeli or Middle Eastern Silversmith, likely influenced by the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, which popularized traditional motifs and repoussé imagery in early-to-mid 20th century Judaica.
Material
Silver-plated base metal, commonly brass, white metal, or nickel silver, with a hinged spine and clasp construction
Dimensions
Estimated pocket-sized dimensions: approximately 4 inches by 3 inches (10 cm x 7.5 cm), designed to hold a miniature prayer book or serve as a decorative case
Description
This intricately decorated pocket-sized metal case features a brilliant silver-plated finish with a prominent high-relief repoussé depiction of Jerusalem landmarks, specifically the Tower of David and Old City architecture, flanked by Hebrew text. The central vignette is framed by a border of ten distinct cartouches symbolizing the Twelve Tribes of Israel. A sturdy multi-barrel hinge runs along the spine, highlighting its function as a protective cover for a miniature religious text or devotional book. The piece captures the distinct artistic revival style popularized in mid-century Israeli crafts.
Key Features
Central high-relief repoussé of Jerusalem architecture, Hebrew script inscriptions, and the distinctive border of Twelve Tribes cartouches paired with a functional multi-barrel spine hinge
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal, commonly brass, white metal, or nickel silver, with a hinged spine and clasp construction
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish background with high-relief repoussé and stamped decorative elements. The central panel depicts the Tower of David and Jerusalem architecture with Hebrew inscriptions. The outer border features ten small cartouches displaying symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
Hallmarks & Stamps
No clear maker's marks or purity stamps are visible in the provided image, which is common for tourist-grade or mass-produced souvenir Judaica from the mid-20th century
Construction Details
Machine-stamped front plate with detailed repoussé relief, attached to a mechanical multi-barrel hinge system along the spine. Likely produced using a combination of stamping dies and manual assembly
Functional Features
Hinged spine and opening mechanism designed to enclose a miniature prayer book (Siddur), notebook, or vanity mirror insert
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; features a structural multi-segment hinge running down the vertical left side and decorative ribbed border framing the central panels
Craftsmanship Details
Combines industrial die-stamping for precise tribal iconography with traditional repoussé-style depth, creating a high-contrast visual impact typical of mid-century tourist and devotional art
Authentication Indicators
Typical manufacturing characteristics of mid-20th century Israeli souvenir metalwork, including stamped relief work, silver plating over a base metal core, and absence of formal international precious metal hallmarks
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Israel or the Middle East, drawing heavily upon the artistic traditions established by the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s-1970s), reflecting the post-Mandate and early Israeli state production of souvenir Judaica
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1960s, based on the style of metal stamping and tourist Judaica manufacturing trends following the establishment of the State of Israel
Cultural Significance
Represents the flourishing of modern Israeli Judaica craftsmanship, serving as both a functional devotional item and a cultural keepsake connecting the owner to the holy city of Jerusalem
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches and light polishing wear typical of age and handling on the reflective silver-plated surface. The hinge appears structurally sound with no major dents or structural breaks.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $100 USD depending on the presence of solid silver hallmarks, maker attribution, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver-cleaning cream formulated for plated items. Avoid harsh dips or abrasive polishing, which can strip away the thin silver-plated layer
Similar Pieces
Mid-century Israeli silver-plated and sterling silver matchbox covers, esrog boxes, Kiddush cups, and miniature Siddur covers produced by workshops in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
Interesting Facts
Items featuring the Twelve Tribes of Israel and Jerusalem motifs became extremely popular among tourists and as bar mitzvah or wedding gifts following the founding of Israel in 1948, heavily influenced by the aesthetic language of Boris Schatz and the Bezalel Academy