AMERICAN-JEWISH FOLK ART TAPESTRY.
Extensively embroidered in English, Hebrew and ...

Extensively embroidered in English, Hebrew and Yiddish. The upper portion with New Year Hebrew greeting: “LeShanah Tovah Tikatevu” and the year noted according to the Jewish and secular cycle. Flanking are roosters, American flags paired with a Zionist flag, a cartouche on right with Hebrew letters for “Zion” encircled within Star-of-David. The main body features the lyrics of the popular folk song “Home Sweet Home.” At end the maker’s name is prominently featured in Yiddish and the date: January 1, 1933, surrounded by a flock of farmyard animals. 68 x 34 inches (173 x 86 cm).


(California?), 1933.

A charming tapestry with equally strong Jewish and American themes, created for presentation for the New Year of 5693 (1933) by one Max Engelson.
     The words on the tapestry derive from “Home Sweet Home,” a song adapted from American actor and dramatist John Howard Payne`s 1823 opera “Clari, or the Maid of Milan.” The song`s melody was composed by Englishman Sir Henry Bishop, with lyrics supplied by Payne. Popular across the English-speaking world, the song has been included in many theatrical productions and conveys a longing for home.
     The tapestry’s charming pastoral motifs underscore the theme of the song.
     It is currently unknown who the the maker of this tapestry was, where in the United States he produced it, or for what purpose. - Certainly the charm of it, warrants an answer.