Pair Vintage Pal-Bell Maurice Ascalon Bronze Ewers Pitchers Grape Motif Israel

Details

Description

A matched pair of vintage mid-century modern cast bronze and brass decorative ewers/pitchers designed by Maurice Ascalon for Pal-Bell Co. … Read more A matched pair of vintage mid-century modern cast bronze and brass decorative ewers/pitchers designed by Maurice Ascalon for Pal-Bell Co. Ltd. Each jug features a wide, bulbous body adorned with a relief-molded grapevine and grape cluster motif encircling the shoulder, a tall cylindrical neck with polished brass collar ring and rim, and an elegant sweeping handle. The base displays Pal-Bell’s signature chemical verdigris patination contrasted against polished brass accents. Both bases feature the raised Pal-Bell seal logo along with stamped text in English ("MADE IN ISRAEL") and Hebrew ("תוצרת ישראל").

Origin: Tel Aviv, Israel

Age & Forensic Authenticity Analysis

Era: Circa 1948–1956 (Post-Independence Middle Era).

Forensic Dating Markers:
Marking & Inscription: Pre-1948 Mandate-era pieces were marked "Palestine" or "Made in Palestine". These jugs are distinctly marked "MADE IN ISRAEL" alongside the Hebrew script "תוצרת ישראל" (Made in Israel), placing production strictly after the declaration of the State of Israel in May 1948.

Logo Stamp: The base carries the classic raised oval seal bearing "PAL-BELL CO. LTD." around the stylized bell logo. This logo was used throughout Pal-Bell's peak operational years prior to Maurice Ascalon selling the company in 1956.

Construction & Finish: Mid-era Pal-Bell production retained heavy cast bronze construction with hand-finished, rich verdigris chemical patination, pre-dating the lighter alloy recasts produced after the late 1950s acquisition by Oppenheim.

Material: Cast bronze and brass with original chemical verdigris patina.

Authenticity Assessment: These pieces are authentic Maurice Ascalon / Pal-Bell originals. Authentic markers present include the sharp, crisp raised relief of the "PAL-BELL CO. LTD." seal logo, two-line stamped provenance in English and Hebrew, original chemically applied verdigris patination in recessed areas, and heavy, solid cast bronze construction with hand-brazed or fitted brass ring accents.
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Decorative Significance: Designed by Maurice Ascalon—widely regarded as the father of modern Israeli decorative arts—this pair of bronze ewers represents a pivotal moment in mid-century Brutalist and Art Deco metalwork fusion. The contrast between deep verdigris chemical patination and polished brass highlights makes this pair exceptional sculptural accents for modernist, transitional, or Mediterranean-inspired interiors.

Curator's Note: "A striking pair of vintage Pal-Bell bronze ewers featuring deep verdigris patination and classical grapevine reliefs. Perfect as sculptural vessels for a sideboard, styled bookshelf, or entryway console seeking mid-century character and rich tactile contrast." See less