Kiddouch - Jewish/Sephardic Cup - Alpaca plaqué argent - Style éclectique

Magnificent Jewish/Sephardic Kiddush cup is a superb testament to Jewish liturgical ceremonial silverware. Richly embossed and enhanced by cabochon greenstone inlays, this piece perfectly blends the solemnity of the Hebrew ritual with a refined European aesthetic. A visually and historically significant item, ideal for Judaica collectors and metal art enthusiasts.
-Origin: Spanish or Iberian Jewish Community. The style and mark are consistent with production in Spain or for its market, reflecting the re-establishment of Jewish community life in the early 20th century.
-Period: First third of the 20th century (circa 1900–1940).
-Style: Eclectic/Neo-Baroque.
-Ornamentation: The body of the cup features elaborate repoussé and chiseling work that alternates cartouches of organic shapes with stylized plant motifs and finely dotted background textures. The three large oval cabochons of textured green stone (possibly glass paste, chrysoprase, or dyed agate from the period), set in bezels, are the most prominent feature. They provide a vibrant polychrome contrast and act as the focal points of the decoration.
-Material: Silver-plated alpaca (German silver or maillechort in the French-speaking world/in France).
-Technique: Repoussé, hand-chiseling, hollowing, bezel setting, and subsequent polishing. The interior shows the marks inherent to the artisanal manufacturing process.
- Hallmark: The "ALPACA" mark is clearly stamped on the outer base, guaranteeing the alloy's authenticity and its connection to the European manufacturing period of the first half of the 20th century.
Measurements:
*Total height: 11.8 cm
* Mouth diameter: 8.2 cm
*Base diameter: 6.8 cm
*Stem diameter (minimum): 3.2 cm
*Cabochon dimensions: 19 mm x 14 mm
-Condition: Good antique condition, unrestored, with signs of use, patina, and damage consistent with the photos and its age.
-Liturgical Use:
*Ceremonial cup traditionally used for the blessing of wine during Kiddush on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Its size and sumptuousness also make it an exceptional decorative piece for a display case or a gift of great heritage significance.
* Historical Note on “Sephardic”:
1. The word comes from Sepharad (סְפָרַד), the biblical Hebrew name used to refer to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). Therefore, “Sephardic” literally means “Spanish” or “from Sepharad.”
2. In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs signed the Edict of Granada, which forced Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the country. Those who stayed and converted (often secretly) are known as conversos or Marranos. Those who chose to leave founded communities throughout the world: North Africa, the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans), Italy, the Netherlands, and later the Americas.
3. One of the most fascinating things about the Sephardim is that, despite living for centuries far from Spain, they maintained their pride in their roots: They preserved a language called Ladino or Judeo-Spanish. It is, essentially, the Castilian Spanish spoken in the 15th century mixed with Hebrew, Turkish, or Arabic words (depending on where they settled). There are still people who speak it today. They maintained their own customs, music, cuisine, and a religious liturgy with specific chants and rituals, different from those of other branches of Judaism.
4. Sephardim vs. Ashkenazim: Judaism has two major cultural and historical branches in Europe:
*Sephardic Jews: Jews of Iberian origin and from the Mediterranean basin.
*Ashkenazim: Jews originating from Central and Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Russia, etc.), whose historical language is Yiddish (a mixture of German and Hebrew).
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