Antique Bezalel Jerusalem Olive Wood Spice Box Besamim Holder 1920s Palestine Era

Details

Description

This is a superb example of "Old Bezalel" craftsmanship from the 1920s. Hand-turned from aged Galilee olive wood, this Besamim … Read more This is a superb example of "Old Bezalel" craftsmanship from the 1920s. Hand-turned from aged Galilee olive wood, this Besamim (spice) tower features the intricate hand-inked architectural illustrations synonymous with the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Crafts during its formative years. The body is decorated with highly detailed depictions of the Tomb of Rachel and Jerusalem, labeled in traditional Hebrew script. The multi-stage turned construction includes a functional screw-top finial that opens to the spice chamber.

Origin: Jerusalem (Bezalel Academy workshops)

Age: Circa 1920–1929

Material: Turned Olive Wood with hand-inked details.

Dimensions: Approx. 5.25" tall; 2" base diameter.

Reference: The Bezalel Workshop: 1906–1929, by Gideon Ofrat. This text provides extensive visual documentation of the olive wood items produced during the Boris Schatz era. On page 112, the author discusses the specific "Palestine Souvenir" line and the transition of wood-turning techniques used in the 1920s. See less