Pair Mid Century Pal Bell Israel Bronze Wall Plates Maurice Ascalon Judaica 9.5"

Details

Description

This is an authentic matched pair of mid-century Modernist cast bronze and chemical-verdigris decorative wall plates produced by the iconic … Read more This is an authentic matched pair of mid-century Modernist cast bronze and chemical-verdigris decorative wall plates produced by the iconic Pal-Bell Co. Ltd. in Tel Aviv, Israel, designed under the artistic direction of Maurice Ascalon (1913–2003).

Each plate features a high-relief central bronze medallion set within a wide, chemical-etched green verdigris patinated rim with fine incised outer brass rings.

Plate 1 (Shofar / Rosh Hashanah): Features a relief of an Orthodox Jewish man blowing the Shofar (ram's horn) before a synagogue structure topped with a Menorah.

Plate 2 (Ruth the Moabitess / Harvest): Features a relief of Ruth kneeling in the field harvesting grain with a sickle, encircled by the biblical Hebrew inscription from Psalm 126:5: "הַזֹּרְעִים בְּדִמְעָה בְּרִנָּה יִקְצֹרוּ" ("They that sow in tears shall reap in joy").

Origin & Age
Manufacturer: Pal-Bell Co. Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel)

Designer: Maurice Ascalon

Origin: Israel

Circa: 1950s (Post-Independence / Israeliana movement)

Dimensions & Weight

Diameter: Approx. 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) each

Weight: Slightly over 1 lb each (approx. 2.2 lbs combined)

Material & Construction: Heavy cast bronze / brass with a factory-applied chemical green verdigris patina, polished highlighted raised rim borders, and integrated rear keyhole hanging sockets.

Authenticity Assessment: Both pieces exhibit 100% genuine Pal-Bell manufacturing markers. The reverse rim on each plate features the crisp, cast oval Pal-Bell hallmark containing the stylised bell / "PB" monogram flanked by "PAL-BELL CO. LTD.", directly above "MADE IN ISRAEL" and the Hebrew translation "תוצרת ישראל". Additionally, both plates display the hallmark production characteristics of 1950s Pal-Bell castware: heavy, solid sand-cast brass/bronze construction, seamless chemical verdigris patination with hand-milled circular concentric lathe lines on the back, and integral keyhole mounting sockets cast directly into the rear foot-rims.

Reference
Book Title: Pal-Bell: Product Catalog & Decorative Metalwork of Maurice Ascalon
Author / Publisher: Pal-Bell Co. Ltd. Archives / Maurice Ascalon
Reference Note: The Ruth Harvest Plate is cataloged under Model #565 (Ruth: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy").
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Decorative Significance & Aesthetic Appeal
Created during the formative post-independence era of modern Israeli decorative arts, these wall plates exemplify Maurice Ascalon’s groundbreaking fusion of traditional Jewish iconography with mid-century Modernist form. The vibrant chemical verdigris patination creates a stark, elegant contrast against the warm relief metalwork, making them striking architectural accents for high-end Mid-Century Modern, Eclectic, or Contemporary interiors.

Curator's Note
"This paired set of 1950s Pal-Bell bronze plates offers exceptional decorative utility for designers seeking statement wall art with historical depth. Displayed together on a gallery wall or styled on brass easels within a modern shelving system, their sculptural reliefs and patinated green surfaces add rich textural warmth and Mid-Century Modernist flair to entryways, libraries, or curated living spaces." See less