Set of four printed Sukkah plaques. [Livorno, Italy: Eliezer Saadon], [1782].
Print on paper.
Set comprising four printed plaques designed as sukkah decorations; each plaque features different verses connected to the sukkah and Sukkot. The plaque borders are comprised of typographic ornaments typical of books printed in Livorno in that period. A medallion at the foot of each plaque, decorated with flower bouquets and putti, states the year of printing. Both the text and ornaments appear to be woodcut.
The custom of decorating the sukkah with ornamented plaques developed over the course of the 18th century. The plaques mostly contained verses or texts related to Sukkot, alongside illustrations, ornaments and blessings. These plaques, essentially temporary decorations used only during the course of the festival, were not well conserved. This is a unique exemplar of a set which was preserved in good condition (only one plaque from this set is found in the NLI, from the Valmadonna collection).

Approx. 42X30 cm. Fair condition, varies. Stains, tears, folding marks, creases and wear. Open tears – slightly affecting illustrations and text – professionally restored.

Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 038.011.001.