TIFFANY
PRESENTATION VASE
Master: Edward C. Moore, Tiffany & Co.
New York City, 1888
Silver, embossed, chased, engraved; cutout appliqué work
This large vase, impressive in size and decorative richness develops two themes
in its ornamentation. The first is the visualization of the synagogue, expressed
in the front cartouche by the engraving of the temple at Fifth Avenue and Forty-third
Street that had been completed in 1868. Lewis May, president of the Congregation
from May 4, 1865 to his death on July 22, 1897. Had occupied that position when
the synagogue was commissioned and built, The inscription in Hebrew and in English
translation praises him for twenty-five years of devotion to the synagogue.
On the reverse, shields above the cartouche are engraved with the words "Deut.
VIII 8" which allude to the second theme. The biblical quotation "A land of
wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and
honey" is the key that explains the presence of ivy leaves (vines), beehive
(honey), sheaves of wheat and barley.
Gift of Winston Lewis May, Son of Lewis May, 1931
