TORAH SCROLL

Scroll
Italy, probably 18th century
Vellum; handwritten
Handles and Finials
Cast Silver, traces of gilding

Mantle
Italy, about 1700
Silk, weave patterned

Binder (Mappah)
France or Italy, probably 18th century
Silk ribbon

Such a small handwritten scroll, which includes the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch), might be used at home and during travels, or it might simply be an object of beauty displayed in the home. This set was purchased by Judge Irving Lehman in New York, who noted in 1932, "I bought this scroll from Goldschmidt who acquired it from Siegfried Wagner who in turn received it from Richard Wagner. At least so runs the tale."

The precious silk remnant used in the mantle has a central figure pattern of a pomegranate with its seeds, which made it an apt choice for the design of a Torah cover since the multiseeded fruit is a common metaphor for the wisdom of the Torah. The color combination reveals an Italian preference, as well as appreciation, for the fine brocaded fabrics seen in other Italian silk mantles and binders (Grossman 1980).

Bequest of Judge Irving Lehman, 1945