"Menorah" ["Shiviti"]. [Morocco, late 19th or early 20th century].
Ink and watercolor on paper; gold paint.
A plaque decorated with gold paint and colorful floral motifs, with a horseshoe arch in the center. In the center is a "LaMenatzeach" menorah with other Temple vessels beside it, two hands spread out in the priest's blessing gesture, a crown (priesthood) and various texts. Instead of the common inscription "Shiviti Hashem Lenegdi Tamid" (I have set the Lord always before me), this plaque is inscribed with the verse "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power…" alongside various blessings for protection, success and well-being. Beneath the base of the menorah is the blessing "Baruch shemayah", recited prior to reading from the Torah, while the Torah scroll is being removed from the ark. Dedication (Hebrew): "The gift of the Lord is extended to [all] those who will purchase this blessing".
Length: 61 cm, width: 45.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, creases and folding marks. Small tears, with slight damage to text. The entire leaf is mounted on thick paper.