.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Lots 145 and 146 demonstrate the Betzalel carpet weaver's interest in depicting the landscape of Jerusalem and significant historical sites in the history of Judaism. The silhouette of the ancient city of Jerusalem in lot 145 is not accurate to the actual skyline, but rather it portrays two important and distinctive locations in the city: David's Citadel and the Dome of the Rock where the ancient temple would have stood.
Lot 146 follows a different program with the artist representing Mount Sinai in the desert outside of Egypt. According to tradition, this is the site where Israelites received the Ten Commandments. The significance of the site is reflected through the double arch border which resembles the two tablets upon which the commandments were inscribed as well as through the ten trees in the foreground of the rug.
Lot 145 with the signature "Betzalel Yerushalayim" (Betzalel Jerusalem) missing one of the letters, and with the inscriptions of the historical sites: "Midgal David" (David's Citadel) and "Makom HaMikdash" (The Place of the Holies).
Lot 146 with the inscription: "Mount Sinai"
For similar examples and further reading, please see: Anton Felton, Jewish Carpets (England: Antique Collector's Club), pp. 96-100, No. 29, 30, 32.
Lot 146 follows a different program with the artist representing Mount Sinai in the desert outside of Egypt. According to tradition, this is the site where Israelites received the Ten Commandments. The significance of the site is reflected through the double arch border which resembles the two tablets upon which the commandments were inscribed as well as through the ten trees in the foreground of the rug.
Lot 145 with the signature "Betzalel Yerushalayim" (Betzalel Jerusalem) missing one of the letters, and with the inscriptions of the historical sites: "Midgal David" (David's Citadel) and "Makom HaMikdash" (The Place of the Holies).
Lot 146 with the inscription: "Mount Sinai"
For similar examples and further reading, please see: Anton Felton, Jewish Carpets (England: Antique Collector's Club), pp. 96-100, No. 29, 30, 32.