1 item ([1] leaf) ; approximately 55 x 45 cm

Hebrew; Aramaic

In Hebrew.

Purchased from Tomer Rosenfeld on the Alexander Kohut Memorial Fund, 2014.

Manuscript, ink and paint on paper. The entire text is calligraphed in colorful, decorative micrography. The traditional Shiviti statement "I have set the Lord always before me" (Psalm 16:8) appears in large bold letters on the upper register. Two fish appear in the space below God's name and at the bottom of the plaque; they represent fertility. The text on the document written in Hebrew block letters consists of biblical and liturgical passages that deal with blessing and God's beneficence. The calligraphy is an integral part of the design of the document. There is a floral border along the outer edge that is beautifully executed and whose color scheme blends in with the art and calligraphy of the plaque. The shiviti is unusual in that it does not contain the seven branch candelabrum in calligraphic form that is at the center of most shiviti plaques. The manuscript appears to be Italian because manuscripts from Italy are written in block letters similar to those that appear in this one.

Archives or Manuscripts / Images

September 24, 2014

Shiviti plaque, Hebrew MSS suppl 281 (Broadside). General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Shiviti plaque, Hebrew MSS suppl 281 (Broadside). General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Shiviti - Italy - 20th century.