Beschreibung:

A Kippah, Poland, mid-19th century silver and gold wrapped thread on linen. diameter 7 1/2 in. 19.1 cm A rare example of a Kippah created in silk and metal ground, embroidered with silk and metal wrapped threads. Embellished with decorative appliques, beads and sequins. Lined with leather. This kippah was produced using an intricate decorative technique known as spanier arbeit. Arbeit means work and the term spanier arbeit has been translated either as "spun work," derived from the Yiddish word spinnen, or as "Spanish work," meaning a type of work originally produced in Spain prior to the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. The craft was practiced by Jews in Poland and Galicia and was also used to create Atarot (decorative neckbands for Talitot), women’s head coverings and women’s bodice pieces known as a brustikher. RELATED LITERATURE: Nitza Behroozi BarOz, Shimmering Gold: The Splendor of Gold Embroidered Textiles, 2007, cat. no. 103