POLISH SABBATH CHALLAH COVER.

19th century

Square textile featuring Shpanyer-Arbeyt workmanship in undulating floral and avian pattern of applique golden embroidery, central peacock bearing pink and silver metallic sequins. Gold metallic tassel border. Minor wear at corners. 17 x 17.5 inches. Framed.

The Jewish decorative work, known in Yiddish as Spanier Arbeit, or ‘Spanish work,’ is based on the craft of lace-making that incorporates silver and gold thread - a craft practiced by the Jews of Mallorca, Barcelona, and Toledo in 15th-century Spain. Centuries later, in 18th century Galicia this coiled passementerie was used to adorn prayer shawls, kippoth, kittels and women’s head-coverings. (See Yivo Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe).