Micrographic Shiviti Plaque on Parchment – Iran, 1870 – Verses from the Book of Daniel, Angels and Figures of Moses ...

Micrographic Shiviti Plaque on Parchment – Iran, 1870 – Verses from the Book of Daniel, Angels and Figures of Moses and Aaron

Shiviti plaque decorated with micrography and figurative illustrations, produced by Chaim son of Elazar. [Iran], 1870.
Ink and paint on parchment.
Unusual Shiviti plaque, comprising verses from Daniel's vision, protective verses from Tehillim and figurative micrographic illustrations. The upper part of the plaque features the verse "Shiviti Hashem LeNegdi Tamid" with various variations of G-d's name, supported by two large angels (depicted as winged human figures). Beneath it are two smaller figures: Moses carrying the Tablets of the Law, with an angel facing him and the inscription "Chayot HaKodesh". A micrographic arch comprising verses from Daniel's vision separate the upper and lower part of the plaque, which contains two large figures – Moses holding the Tablets of the Law and a staff, and Aaron holding an incense pan, with a LaMenatze'ach Menorah between them. Two micrographic cypress trees comprising the words of Ana BeKoach flank the Menorah. Stylized micrographic medallions (some shaped as small flowers) containing the words of Psalm 121 form a border around the plaque. Additional verses from Tehillim, in particular verses of protection, inscribed in micrography and initials. Arist's signature in two medallions in lower margin: "Chaim son of Elazar, 1870".
Apart from some simple gilt vegetal and geometric motifs, and short gilt lines decorating the vestments of Moses and Aaron – the ornaments and illustrations in this plaque are entirely micrographic.

Approx. 27X19 cm. Overall good condition. Some stains.

Reference and exhibitions:
1. Light and Shadows: The Story of Iran and the Jews. Tel Aviv, Beit Hatfutsot, 2010, p. 170 (illustrated) (Hebrew).
2. Mystik – Die Sehnsucht nach dem Absoluten, by Albert Lutz. Zürich, Scheidegger & Spiess, 2011, p. 47.
3. Light and Shadows, edited by David Yeroushalmi. Los Angeles, Fowler Museum of UCLA, 2012, p. 158.
4. Kabbalah. Vienna, Jüdisches Museum Wien, and Amsterdam, the Joods Historisch Museum, 2018.
5. The Art of Jewish Mysticism, by Liya Chechik. Moscow, Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, 2022. p. 40.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 058.012.057.
The plaque is documented on the Center for Jewish Art (CJA) website, item no. 49447.