Israeli Sterling Silver Pomegranate Sculpture with Rose Gold Vermeil
Decorative Object / Judaica · Attributed to Hazorfim or similar Israeli boutique silversmiths. Hazorfim is Israel's premier silver manufacturer, founded in 1952 by immigrants who brought European silversmithing traditions to the Middle East, gaining worldwide acclaim for high-quality Judaica.
Pattern: Nature/Botanical Series, specifically the Pomegranate form (Rimon). This is a perennial favorite in Jewish art and remains in constant production due to its ritual and symbolic popularity.
Type
Decorative Object / Judaica
Maker
Attributed to Hazorfim or similar Israeli boutique silversmiths. Hazorfim is Israel's premier silver manufacturer, founded in 1952 by immigrants who brought European silversmithing traditions to the Middle East, gaining worldwide acclaim for high-quality Judaica.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) base with a heavy Rose Gold Vermeil (gold plating) finish. The item appears to be formed from thin sterling sheet; it may be weighted (filled with resin or wax) or hollow depending on the specific weight feel.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 3.5 inches (9 cm); Estimated diameter: 2.75 inches (7 cm). Weight typically ranges between 80g to 150g depending on whether it is hollow-ware or weighted for stability.
Description
An elegant and symbolic sterling silver pomegranate featuring a warm rose-gold finish. The piece captures the organic imperfections of the fruit, providing a modern artistic interpretation of one of the Seven Species of the land of Israel. Its reflective surface and sophisticated color palette make it a standout piece of modern silver art.
Key Features
Signature 'crinkled' surface texture typical of high-end Israeli botanical silver; prominent five-pointed crown; distinct circular hallmark placement; rose gold vermeil wash.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) base with a heavy Rose Gold Vermeil (gold plating) finish. The item appears to be formed from thin sterling sheet; it may be weighted (filled with resin or wax) or hollow depending on the specific weight feel.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a rose gold/copper-toned wash. The style is Contemporary Bio-morphic, mimicking the organic, irregular undulating surface of a real fruit. It features a crowning calyx with five prominent points.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A circular '925' or maker's seal is visible on the side of the body. This stamp confirms the sterling silver purity and often includes the manufacturer's logo or the '925' fineness mark within a round or oval frame common in Israeli silver exports.
Construction Details
Constructed using a combination of electroforming and hand-finishing. Electroforming allows for the complex, organic 'distressed' skin texture of the fruit to be reproduced in silver while maintaining a lightweight profile.
Functional Features
Primarily decorative, though similar forms are occasionally designed as honey jars (if the top is a lid) or spice boxes (if perforated). This specific piece appears to be a solid decorative sculpture or paperweight.
Handle & Grip Details
The 'crown' or calyx of the pomegranate serves as a natural grip/finial, integrated into the body of the piece through seamless casting or soldering.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality electro-casting. The seamless nature of the calyx attachment and the consistency of the vermeil coating suggest a professional manufacturing environment rather than amateur hand-work.
Authentication Indicators
The circular stamp is a classic indicator of Israeli silver. The weight-to-visual-density ratio is consistent with electroformed sterling silver produced in the Middle East during this period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Israel. Specifically likely from the workshops of Jaffa or Tel Aviv, where high-end sterling Judaica production is a specialized industry known for high purity and expert electro-casting.
Era & Period
Modern/Contemporary Judaica (late 20th to 21st Century). It reflects the post-1980s trend of combining traditional religious motifs with sleek, metallic, minimalist aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present. The condition and the use of rose-gold vermeil on organic forms are very common in contemporary Israeli giftware catalogs.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of righteousness, fruitfulness, and knowledge in Mediterranean and Jewish cultures. This item bridges the gap between religious ritual and high-end modern home decor.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The surface displays light micro-scratching consistent with handling. There are no visible signs of metal fatigue or significant 'bleeding' of the silver through the gold plating.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight and the prestige of the maker's mark (e.g., if confirmed as Hazorfim).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive silver polishes which will strip the rose gold vermeil layer. Clean only with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. Store in a tarnish-resistant bag when not on display.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver pomegranates by Avi Luvaton (often more ornate/bejeweled) or Zadok Judaica. Competitor pieces often use yellow gold vermeil rather than the trendy rose-gold tone seen here.
Interesting Facts
In Jewish tradition, the pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. Consequently, it is a popular gift for Rosh Hashanah and weddings.