ITALIAN SILK FESTIVAL TEXTILE.

18th century

Square red silk Festival tablecloth with fine floss silk embroidery in yellow and ivory featuring central Hebrew verse recited for the Festival kiddush: “These are God’s appointed [holy days], holy occasions, which you shall designate in their appointed time.” In each corner, a holiday name surrounded by related image, such as the lulav and ethrog beside “Sukoth.” At top, a curious image of a heart shot through with two arrows, (known as a tortured heart) often found Renaissance Art and earlier. Finally, at base, a cartouche bearing name of artisan: “Esther Yakor.” 46 x 40 inches.

Provenance: Christie’s Amsterdam, Judaica, May 11th, 1988, Lot 354. The Jewish-Italian surname “Yakor” can be found on a 1773 Italian wedding contract from Venice bearing the bride’s name: “Chavah, daughter of Ya’akov Hayim Yakor.” (Collection of Skirball Museum, Los Angeles).