A Moroccan Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cup and Original Tray, circa 1890

The Jewish community in Morocco has a long history, with roots dating back to antiquity. By the 19th century, Moroccan Jews had developed a distinct cultural identity, influenced by both local Moroccan and broader Sephardic traditions. Moroccan artisans were renowned for their silverwork, evident in the influential designs engraved on this cup, with arabesques, and floral motifs typical of the region’s decorative arts.

The cup and tray are made of silver, highly valued for its beauty and ritual purity. Engraved foliate patterns framed by geometric archways decorate the lower main body of the Kiddush cup. Engraved at the top of the cup:”In Honor of Shabbat, A cup of salvation I will raise and call out in the name of G-d” A biblical verse relating to the sanctity of Shabbat written in Hebrew. Below the verse associated with the Havdalah ceremony” On an overflowing cup of wine, I will bless G-d, In honor of Eliyahu Hanavi may his memory be blessed” is beautifully engraved in Hebrew.
On the underside of the Cup the name of the original owner of the cup; “Yisroel Kadish may G-d watch over and protect him” is engraved.

One can seemingly see that this cup and tray were made by the same artist and at the same time. The tray is made with floral cut edges and features the exact foliate scrolled engravings and designs as presented on the kiddush cup. The original tray adds to the rarity of the Kiddush Cup for two reasons; first, it is extremely uncommon to find an original tray with its matching Kiddush cup, and second, silver was an expensive material in that period most people could only afford a cup if that! a tray would be an unnecessary accessory.

The combination of these two matching and their creation period makes this cup and tray particularly noteworthy.
They represent the rich traditions of Jewish ritual and the artistic excellence of Moroccan silversmiths.

4.49ozt. Total weight