Conical kiddush goblet originally fashioned by Ludwig Wolpert, redesigned by Bernard Bernstein. Fluted, conical stem, and central knop bearing openwork Hebrew kiddush blessing. Marked: “B. Bernstein, Handmade Sterling, 2012.” Height: 5.25 inches.

LUDWIG WOLPERT / BERNARD BERNSTEIN SILVER KIDDUSH GOBLET.

(New York), 2012

New York City metalsmith Bernard Bernstein began studying with Ludwig Y. Wolpert at the Jewish Museum in New York in the late 1950’s while working toward an MFA in silversmithing. Ludwig Wolpert (1900-81) was a Bauhaus trained craftsman and designer, who later founded and directed the Toby Pascher Workshop of the Jewish Museum, New York. Bernstein’s simple and modern styling - clean lines and geometric shapes - is clearly reminiscent of Wolpert’s Bauhaus influence. In addition, in his artist statement, Bernstein ‘creates objects which, because of their appropriateness of materials, fitness for use, skillful execution, spiritual significance and elegance of form, will promote a special state of mind in those who are participating in the rituals’ that they are in a sacred place during a sacred moment.’ Bernstein’s silver appear in a number of fine museum collections including: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History, Washington DC; Brooklyn Museum, NY; Museum of Arts and Design, NY; and the New York Historical Society.