Torah Mantle

This mantle is an example of the portal motif. The use of this motif began in the seventeenth century and was used until the twentieth century. The motif was adapted from Muslim iconography. This style of mantle is also influenced by Italian work of the same period. A portal motif surrounds a large appliqued crown and inscription on a red velvet ground. At the bottom is an elaborate stylized plant design which includes grapes, leaves and flowers. The crown is also enhanced by a floral design. There is a border of simulated jewels on the lower rim of the crown. The two letters Kof and Tof are on either side of the crown. Because all of the embroidery work is of the same time period, it can be assumed that this object was intended to be a Jewish object from the first.