Rare Antique 1889 Damascus Judaica Presentation Plate Silvered Brass Hebrew For Sale

1889–1890 Ottoman Syrian Judaica Silvered Brass Presentation Plate

Fully Inscribed & Documented Provenance | Damascus Craftsman Moshe Kohen | Gifted to Dov ben Alexander Bernstein

An extraordinary, museum-grade 19th-century Ottoman Syrian Judaica presentation plate, hand-hammered and deeply hand-engraved in Damascus in the Hebrew year 5650 (1889–1890 CE). This piece represents an exceptional documented historical artifact, bearing full inscriptions identifying the craftsman, the named recipient, the location, and the exact year of creation.

Historical Provenance & Design Significance:
Hand-crafted in Damascus during the Ottoman Syrian period in 1889–1890 CE, this silvered brass presentation tray represents a rare, fully documented piece of late 19th-century Near Eastern Judaica. Created by craftsman Moshe Kohen and dedicated to Dov ben Alexander Bernstein, the plate blends Middle Eastern chiseled metalwork with classical biblical motifs. The center depicts the Holy Ark, Moses, and Aaron surrounded by twelve intricate roundels for the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Full Inscription Breakdown:

• Top Outer Rim: Deeply chiseled in formal Hebrew block script: “To Mr. Dov son of Alexander Bernstein” (לאדון דוב בן אלכסנדר בערנשטיין).

• Bottom Outer Rim: Signed, dated, and localized: “Souvenir of Damascus, year [5]650 [1889–1890], Moshe Kohen” (מזכרת דמשק ש\' תר\"ן משה כהן).

Central Iconography & Design:

• Architectural Canopy: Topped by the inscription “Moses and Aaron” (משה ואהרן) above a radiating sun medallion.

• The Holy Ark: Center field features the Aron HaKodesh surmounted by the Keter Torah (Crown of Law), flanked by two winged Cherubim (Keruvim) kneeling above the Two Tablets of the Covenant (Luchot HaBrit).

• Biblical Figures: Detailed relief figures of Aaron the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) in his ceremonial breastplate (Choshen) on the left, and Moses holding the Commandments on the right.

• Twelve Tribes Medallions: Bordered by twelve individual roundels depicting the biblical symbols and Hebrew names for all Twelve Tribes of Israel (Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar, Zevulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Yosef, Binyamin).

Specifications & Physical Characteristics:

• Origin: Damascus, Syria (Ottoman Empire)

• Date of Creation: Dated 1889–1890 CE (Hebrew Year 5650)

• Material: Hand-Hammered Rolled Sheet Brass with original Silvered / Tinned Finish

• Dimensions: Approx. 13\" Diameter

• Weight: 1 lb 9.8 oz (731 grams)

• Condition: Excellent antique condition given 135+ years of age. Features exceptionally sharp, crisp hand-chiseled line work throughout. Exhibits minor light surface wear, natural oxidation in recessed lines, minor rim distortion, and honest rubbing along high points revealing the warm underlying brass substrate. Left completely unpolished to preserve original historical patina and silvered finish integrity.

• Book Title: Jewish Ceremonial Art and Religious Objects

• Author: Abram Kanof

• Page / Reference: Page 168 (Documenting 19th-century Near Eastern, Ottoman, and Syrian hand-engraved metal presentation trays and ceremonial brassware)

This 1889–1890 Syrian Jewish presentation plate features pristine markers of period authenticity. The Hebrew epigraphy is executed via manual single-point chisel tooling, showing authentic variation in line depth, angle, and letter spacing impossible to replicate with modern photo-etching or mechanical engraving. The reverse side displays clear planishing/hammer marks (planissure) from manual plate fabrication. Natural micro-pitting, honest silver-plate wear along high-friction rim folds exposing underlying brass, and dark age-patina within recessed engraved channels verify 135 years of unmolested aging.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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