Torah crown (keter) 1735 - 1755

This ornate silver Torah crown, created by Italian silversmith Andrea Zambelli "L'Honnesta" between 1735 and 1755, showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the Rococo period. The crown, crafted from silver and gilded in places, features a dense and elaborate design of scrolling foliage, fruits, and other decorative motifs. This piece, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to the rich artistic tradition of Jewish ceremonial objects. Torah crowns like this were used to adorn the Torah scrolls during synagogue services, symbolizing the sacredness of the text and the reverence with which it is treated.