MAGNIFICENT MINIATURE SILVER TORAH ARK Russia, late 19th century.

Rectangular ark on stepped base with four cast feet. At front, two pillars, each consisting of two tapered cut-out elements joined at central ball with key motif cut-out band, topped with concave flames. They flank doors with angled tops and beaded edges. Above, cut-out embossed top element consisting of lions rampant bearing cut-out crown, flanking cast Decalogue with initial words and engraved Stars of David. At front corners, three-dimensional urns with flowers and birds. Front corners and sides engraved with floral pattern, which is repeated in diagonal registers on doors. Pillars have applique lions heads with rings on bases. Marks on back, at base. H: 585mm. The pillars, as well as the lion’s heads, urns, and feet, are earlier. The upper element, which may have been made for use on a Torah shield, is also of a different origin. The hinge which fastens the door is later.

The Biblical commandment to “write for yourself... a Torah” was the inspiration for prosperous Jews and Hassidic Rebbes, to commission a scribe to create a personal Torah scroll. This scroll, usually kept at home, would properly be housed in a precious ark such as this one. Other miniature arks are in private hands, such as a filigree ark of a very similar type to the present one, in a New England collection.