Torah Finial (Amsterdam)
Pieter van Hoven
1717
This belled gilt-silver Torah finial topped with a crown was made in Amsterdam and has been attributed to master silversmith Pieter van Hoven, who lived near the Jewish quarter and is best known for the Jewish ceremonial objects he crafted. Active from 1680 to 1735, van Hoven created similar finials, Torah crowns, and pointers. His Jewish ceremonial objects are held in various Jewish museums and in private collections.
Credits
Collection Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam, M000111.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 5.
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Creator Bio
Pieter van Hoven
1653–1735
Silversmith Pieter van Hoven was born in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. He produced many ceremonial objects for the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the early eighteenth century.
Related Guide
Early Modern Jewish Languages (1500–1750)
As Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews migrated eastward, Yiddish and Ladino emerged as distinct languages. Both languages developed literary traditions, as print became more widespread.
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You crown of beauty, tiara of splendor.
O Holy One of Israel enthroned on Israel’s praises,
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Where will you camp, O my ibex?
Where will you camp, O my ibex, for whom I yearn?
Where will you drip the droplets of your wine and your dew—O formidable one?
If you bring up your beauty to heaven on high,
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