EXCEPTIONAL SET OF SILVER TORAH ORNAMENTS.

Created by Kurt J. Matzdorf (1922-2008). Crown: Comprised of ten tentacle-like features, each displaying one of the Ten Commandments from the Decalogue, set with golden bells between. 8 x 10 x 7 inches. Shield: A futuristic representation comprised of concave planes creating a fluted motif over the famous adage: Am Yisrael Chai (“May the Nation of Israel Live Forever.”) The fluidity of the design complements the eternal effect of the Biblical verse. The shield hangs from a multi-link chain topped by four pomegranates symbolizing life and fertility. 23 x 8 inches. Finials: Set with aerodynamic repeating pattern of fluted accents and hammered silver trimming features with golden bells surround. Similarly features the Hebrew verse as the Shield. H: 11.5 inches. Pointer: Complementing the finial style of the near-conical abstract shape atop, ending in the traditional extended index finger. L: 9 inches.

Internationally renowned silversmith and founder of the State University of New York College at New Paltz’s Fine Metals Program, Kurt J. Matzdorf, taught at SUNY New Paltz from 1957 to 1985. Professor Emeritus of Metals, he founded the College gold and silversmithing programs in 1966. Born in Stadtoldendorf in Germany’s Lower Saxony region in 1922, Matzdorf immigrated to England on a Kindertransport in 1939. He completed an art degree in sculpting at the University of London, but it was only upon moving to New York in 1949 that he discovered his talent for gold and silversmithing. Matzdorf’s work in precious metal fashioning Judaica, is a modern interpretation of traditional ritual objects that visually celebrate Jewish history. Common in Matzdorf’s work is the incorporation of classic symbolism paired with ingenious contemporary design. His use of linear symmetry and streamline sculptural effects, successfully creates an almost aerodynamic element to his geometrically-inspired sparse designs.