Rimmonim (Torah finial) (one of a pair) c. 1920

This is one of a pair of Rimmonim, or Torah finials, probably made of silver by an unknown artist. The surface is intricately worked with patterns and hanging bells, a real celebration of ornamentation and decoration. I'm just mesmerized by all the little bells hanging around it! They really remind me of Eva Hesse’s sculptures, not in form, but in their use of repetition and the way they activate space, creating a sense of volume and movement. Look at the way the light catches the surface, creating a play of light and shadow. The texture is so tactile; you can almost feel the cool metal in your hands. I'm particularly drawn to the filigree at the top; it's so delicate and intricate. It’s a bit like Cy Twombly’s scribbles, in that it doesn’t try to depict anything, it’s just pattern, line and gesture, made with the intention of bringing beauty to the world. I think it does a pretty good job!