Cover for Circumcision Cushion

Artist Unknown

Late 17th or Early 18th Century

Cushion cover embroidered with Star of David, flowers, and decorative motifs along sides and across middle.
This silk cushion cover, embroidered with metallic thread and metallic braid, is thought to have been made in Istanbul. Divided into two horizontal planes, with a narrow border running on three of its four sides, the cover is adorned with floral motifs and animals in metallic gold thread. On the top horizontal plane sits a six-pointed Star of David and a menorah, marking this as a ritual object, probably used for circumcisions.

Credits

Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman / The Jewish Museum, New York.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 5.

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