Vintage Fay Avishay 925 Sterling Silver Musician Sculpture Double Bass Cellist Israel

Details

Description

This vintage Israeli Judaica sculpture by renowned artist Fay Avishay depicts a traditional Hasidic musician playing a double bass / … Read more This vintage Israeli Judaica sculpture by renowned artist Fay Avishay depicts a traditional Hasidic musician playing a double bass / cello. Crafted in marked 925 sterling silver with a rich electroform finish, the figure features expressive detailing from his traditional fur hat (Shtreimel) and facial beard down to the instrument's strings and scroll. The sculpture is mounted on a natural rough-cut orange/yellow marble or alabaster base, featuring the original foil studio tag reading "Fay Avishay ISRAEL".

Specifications:
Artist / Silversmith: Fay Avishay

Origin: Israel

Period / Age: Vintage (Circa 1970s–1980s)

Primary Material: 925 Sterling Silver (Electroform over core structure / Solid elements)

Base Material: Natural Cut Marble / Alabaster with green felt bottom protection

Total Height: 6 inches

Base Width: 3 inches

Total Weight: 10.3 oz (292 grams) including stone base

Hallmarks: Stamped with maker's mark/monogram and "925" stamp on the back lower coat jacket / leg area; original metallic foil label on base front.

Authenticity Assessment This piece displays key authenticity markers for mid-to-late 20th-century Israeli sterling art:

Maker’s Mark & Hallmarks: The lower reverse of the jacket features the crisp recessed rectangular maker's punch containing Fay Avishay's studio logo alongside an authentic "925" fineness stamp.

Studio Label: Includes the original metallic silver-foil studio label on the stone base with signature typography: "Fay Avishay ISRAEL".

Execution & Surface: The electroform sterling construction over a stable core matrix gives the piece substantial rigidity while maintaining the fine surface detail typical of mid-century Israeli Judaica sculpture (such as pieces by Ben-Zion, Avishay, and Frank Meisler).

Historical & Design Significance:
Representing the vibrant Israeli figurative metalwork movement of the post-war era, this Fay Avishay sculpture captures the cultural vitality of traditional Klezmer musical heritage. Blending modernist expressiveness with traditional Hasidic motifs, pieces like this serve as distinctive accent art that bridges historical narrative with sculptural decor.

Curator’s Note:
A striking addition to an modern library shelf, curation tray, or vanity display. The dark, oxidized silver patina creates a rich visual contrast against the organic textures of the natural marble base, offering an expressive nod to mid-century Israeli craftsmanship. See less