Antique Judaica Jewish Tsarist Russian Silver & Ivory Figural Torah Pointer, Yad 1889

Antiques : Religious, Mourning

 

This is a very rare antique Torah pointer, or Yad, used by a Cantor or Rabbi to read from the Bible. This very fine example is composed of ivory that was hand carved to form a continuous ribbon-like pattern. Attached to the ivory are silver spheres that are inscribed with leaves and traditional Hebrew scripture, including 'Yad' (in Hebrew). There is a hand with a pointed finger, wearing a ring that contains, I presume, a semi-precious blue stone. Each of the silver spheres are marked with "84," which was the Russian government's standard silver marking. The piece is also signed by the artists and date, "NE 1889," as well as other markings. The original silver ring used to hang from the Torah has been preserved. This is truly a rare piece that has survived the hard years; most Judaica was deliberately destroyed during the Russian Revolutions.

Condition: Excellent condition! The inscriptions and etchings are still clear, no wear. The silver has not been cleaned or polished.

Measurements: 10 inches long. Largest silver sphere is approx. 1 in. diameter.

Item ID: R-2