Auction 9 · March 28, 2000

Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts and Works of Art

Read the sale report

Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts and Works of Art
The Property of Various Owners Including:
The Solicitor General, Republic of Kiribati
On the 28th of March the Auction Room at the Doral Park Avenue Hotel in New York City was filled to capacity whilst numerous phone and order bidders joined in participating in a highly anticipated sale. Most every important figure in the close-knit segment of the rare book market was involved as noted figures from private, academic, museum and library collections around the world vied to outbid each other for the prestigious volumes new to the market. The sale also boasted a large and extensive collection of Ceremonial and Graphic Art.

Highlights of the sale included:

A incunabula edition of the Arbah Turim, an important collection of Jewish law codified by Jacob ben Asher of Toledo, printed by the Soncino family in Spain in 1490, sold for $80,000.
A 20th-century limited edition Hagadah designed by Arthur Szyk and edited by Cecil Roth, featuring 12 full page illustrations and 34 pages with smaller graphic, estimated to sell between $8,000 and $10,000 fetched $19,550.
Ten anti-Semitic posters issued by the German Military Administration in Serbia during World War II sold for $17,250.
“Exile,” an expressionist portrayal of Jewish wandering painted by Bezalel School of Art instructor Adolph Behrmann in 1905, brought in $26,450.
A 15th-century Latin edition of a book of astronomy written by the Sephardic biblical commentator Abraham Ibn Ezra, estimated to sell between $10,000 and $12,000, fetched $21,850.
An important 19th century Alsatian charity box made of bronze, featuring an outstretched hand requesting coins, sold for $12,650.
(Note: all prices include buyers premium)

Lots in this auction

Cream satin band embroidered with metallic wire, in alternating Star of David and floral pattern. Labeled “India” on back. L: 770mm. Worn.

Plate painted with synagogue scene depicting the blowing of the Shofar, labelled “Rosh Hashanah” in Hebrew at lower center; gold rim. Labelled on back. Diam: 650mm.

AN IMPORTANT CUT-OUT PAPER SUKAH DECORATION. Vilna, 1841.

The base, in the form of a large leaf, rests on three legs. The container is in the form of a fruit, with textured surface, leaf handle and finial on hinged lid. Marked on lid, body and leaf. H: 120mm.

ILLUMINATED SCROLL OF ESTHER. Continental, late 19th century.

SCROLL OF ESTHER IN PEWTER CASE. Probably Germany, early 19th century. Parchment Scroll: in Aschkenazi script.

SCROLL OF ESTHER IN SILVER CASE. Continental, 20th century. Parchment Scroll: in Aschkenazi script.

The case and handle are embossed and engraved with birds and plants, and ornamented with four semi-precious stones; pull silver (starting). No marks found, H: 360mm.

A finely reeded cylindrical case with carved handle, pull, and acorn finial. L: 475mm. Case restored; light wear.

UNIQUE PAINTED COTTON PASSOVER BANNER. Germany, mid-19th century.

Round faceted base rising to baluster shaft from which emanate, on either side, four curved arms with foliate terminals, each ending in faceted candleholder. Central shaft topped by Star of David. Marked on base. H: 245mm.

STANDING SILVER HANUKKAH LAMP. Austria, 1866 - 1922.

Green and brown glazed lamp; oil row with round candleholders forms front; back wall arched, with openwork lions couchant supporting central Menorah. Ninth candleholder at center of oil row. H: 120mm.

STANDING BRASS HANUKKAH LAMP. Germany, ca. 1900.

SILVERPLATE HANUKKAH LAMP. Probably Vienna, ca. 1900.

SILVER HANUKKAH LAMP. Bagdad, Iraq, 20th century.

Menorah form, domed base, tubular shaft; on either side, four semi-circular arms, each topped by tapered candleholders linked by leaf forms. Marked on base. H: 230mm. No servant light.

BRASS HANUKKAH LAMP. Bezalel School, Jerusalem, ca. 1810.

SILVERPLATE HANUKKAH LAMP. Bezalel School, Jerusalem, early 20th century.

IMPRESSIVE SILVER HANUKKAH LAMP. Germany, ca. 1890.

Cast brass lamp lamp in the form of the word “Ivriah”, rising on short shaft from rectangular base. The tops of the letters support eight round candleholders. Base protected with felt. H: 170mm.

AN IMPORTANT FILIGREE HANUKKAH LAMP. Ukraine, 1871.

Central section of case bears Star of David; below, half-domed section followed by hollow filigree handle; above, crown above solid half-dome, topped by bud with ball finial. Interior surface lined with blue foil. Unmarked. H: 205mm.

Tubular pointer with gilt bands, central section ornamented with twisted gilt wire, terminating in cast hand with extended index finger with ring; at top, heart-shaped embossed finial, bell loop and hanging loop. No marks found. L: 310mm. No chain.

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