Brass vase by Salzmann; made in "Jerusalem Palestine

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Brass vase by Salzmann; made in "Jerusalem Palestine

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Sold Date: 07/16/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

This is an old brass vase with design, that bears the bottom mark of Alfred Salzmann, a well-known artisan who ran one of the workshops at the original Bezalel School in Jerusalem that was in operation from 1906 to 1929. I do not know the exact age of the vase. My research shows that Bezalel School was founded by artist and Zionist Boris Schatz in an attempt to define cultural Zionism, just as others were defining political Zionism. The result was the creation of the Jewish art school that Schatz dubbed "Bezalel," taken from the Biblical figure of the same name. A vital part of the school were the workshops in which accomplished artists shared their knowledge with the Palestinian Jews who came t to hone their artistic skills. Salzmann ran one of those workshops.

This vase is 5-inches tall and 2-inches wide. The opening is approximately 3/4-inches across. In a band near the top of the vase that is approximately 1 1/8th inches wide, is a repetitive design in which decorative creatures that look to me like a combination of bird and fish -- or perhaps they are just birds -- are separated by flowers and foliage. On the bottom of the vase is Salzmann's logo -- a triangle, the sides of which bear his first and last name, and the word "Jerusalem." In the center are Salzmann initials, with the "A" superimposed over the "S." To the right of the triangle is a large letter "T." Below the logo are the words "Made in Jerusalem Palestine," the numbers 59, and what looks like an "e." (Please see photos.)

The vase has substantial weight for its size. T is some slight crimping on the bottom edge which does not affect the piece. It stands firm and straight. The piece has areas of discoloration consistent with its age. I have not tried to polish it. T is some verdigris on the inside of the mouth and slight verdigris on the design.