(SUKAH DECORATION).

Continental

1817

Illuminated manuscript leaf, written in Hebrew on vellum. Symmetrical paper-cut, decorated in watercolor, depicting two bearded men welcoming the visitor to the Sukah, supporting a shield bearing image of a Sukah surrounded by the Biblical verse: “In the Sukah you shall sit for seven days.” Further, along an architectural arch motif, are expressions of welcome: “Blessed are you when you come in and blessed are you when you leave.” Finally, along perimeter are the names of the seven Ushpizin - or traditional Biblical visitors to the Sukah each night of the holiday. Also, the name of the scribe: Dovid Greunhut and date in acronym “This Day of the Holiday Sukoth” = [5]577.

Special paper-cuts were made on the occasion of different festivals to decorate the house, synagogue, or in this case, the Sukah. The ones produced for Sukoth would often depict the Ushpizin: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron and David. See J. & Y. Shadur, Jewish Papercuts (1994) pp. 50-1, fig. 81.