Rare Mizrahi Judaica Ceramic Plate 10.25” Karbasi Jerusalem Temple Menorah

Details

Description

Offered here is an exceptionally rare, museum-worthy example of Mizrahi Jewish material culture: a hand-painted ceramic cabinet plate celebrating the … Read more Offered here is an exceptionally rare, museum-worthy example of Mizrahi Jewish material culture: a hand-painted ceramic cabinet plate celebrating the deep artistic heritage of Middle Eastern craftsmanship. This custom-commissioned piece features vibrant overglaze polychrome enamels and meticulous gold-gilt scrolling work against a milky-white glazed ground.

Iconography & Inscriptions:

The central motif displays the High Priest Aaron standing beside a pouring ewer, balanced on the right by Moses holding the Tablets of the Law. Between them stands a grand Temple Menorah inscribed with liturgical text on its branches. The base of the central scene intricately renders the walled city of Old Jerusalem, transitioning down to a localized vignette of Rachel’s Tomb shaded by an ancient tree. Encircling this composition are individual cartouches dedicated to the symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, bounded by a beautiful, vibrant cobalt blue rim featuring gilded geometric lattices.

Backstamp & Provenance:

The back of the plate holds the crucial historical mark under a hand-painted Star of David. It features a green shield logo flanked by hand-painted Hebrew script indicating its creation by the Karbasi workshop, explicitly stating it was a custom commission ("Farmaish") for Tuvia of Jerusalem. The plate retains its original vintage brass/steel wire spring hanger, emphasizing its lifelong display status.

Note to Advanced Judaica Collectors:

Read the inscription on reverse side of the plate for the well-known city name in which it was produced.

Material & Specifications
Material: Fine Vitreous Ceramic / Porcelain

Technique: Hand-painted overglaze enamel, hand-gilded accents

Dimensions: Approx. 10.25" (26 cm) diameter

Origin & Age
Regional Origin: Near Eastern / Mizrahi Art

Age: Mid-20th Century (circa 1950–1960)

Condition Report
Overall Condition: Excellent "as-found" vintage condition.

Glaze & Paint: The enamels remain remarkably crisp and intense with no structural fading. There is minor, age-appropriate rubbing to the gold-gilt scrollwork along the borders.

Structure: No chips, cracks, structural hairlines, or repairs. Sound, beautiful ring when tapped gently.

Reference
Book Reference:


The Jews of the Middle East: The History, Heritage and Culture of an Ancient Community by Houman M. Sarshar (Published by I.B. Tauris). Please refer to the chapters addressing twentieth-century Jewish silver and ceramic craftsmanship in the region, detailing custom commissions sent across the diaspora to Jerusalem. See less