This unique Marrano-style train set by Shuki Frieman is a fascinating blend of Judaica, history, and artistry. Shuki Frieman, known for his intricate and symbolic designs, draws on the rich heritage of the Marranos (crypto-Jews) who lived in secrecy during the Spanish Inquisition, blending historical and religious symbolism with a contemporary touch.
The design evokes the spirit of travel, exile, and the secret journeys that Marrano Jews undertook as they fled persecution or practiced their faith in hiding. The Marrano style, in this context, includes elements that harken back to the clandestine practices of Jewish tradition during times of oppression, with hidden compartments or doors within the train cars symbolizing secrecy.
The train set features large train cars, each meticulously handcrafted from fine silver with gorgeous floral designs and hidden compartments each encompassing another piece of Judaica used during the holidays year round subtly woven into the detailed craftsmanship.
The train’s engine or lead car seemingly represents the journey of freedom, breaking through barriers with a bold design.
Hidden in the engine is a Megillah written on Vellum meticulously written and fabulously decorated with hand painted illustrations and encased in a magnificent silver case adorned with foliate designs. The smoke stack of the engine hides a modern dreidel and the remainder of the engine is Tzedakah container apparent only from the small slit used to insert coins made in the steam dome of the engine. The cab roof of the lead car swings open to reveal a Kiddush cup and grogger each in their respective placements. A compartment at bottom slides open to reveal a geometrically shaped tray for the Kiddush cup.
The trailing car seemingly illustrates the struggle and resilience of the Marrano Jews, with intricate patterns that tell their story in a visual and abstract manner:
The second piece of this set is a box car or cattle car which played a significant role in the Jewish history especially in World War II. This car’s roof swings open to reveal a Hannukah lamp which symbolizes salvation in the bleakest moments of our past. Another large hidden compartment at bottom slides open which conceals a pair of beautiful conical shaped Shabbat candlesticks.
The last piece of this set is what looks like a coil car or a tankard with a small cab. This car placed at the end of the set seemingly represents the aftermath after the salvation that was experienced and the blessings that are to come.
The roof of the small cab opens to reveal a Havdalah set with a candleholder and spice container. these items represent the separation from the front of the train to this section. The rear tankard or coil car has a latch at front and swings open to reveal a large container meant for an Etrog used on Succoth, a joyous holiday.
The train rests on a wonderfully made realistic train track designed with rails, bearers, and cobble stones at bottom. Wheels and gears built into the cars allow the train to move back and forth on the tracks. the lower track is made primarily of brass with silver plaques affixed to its corners and at various places along the base.
Overall, this train set by Shuki Frieman is a deeply symbolic and artistically stunning creation, merging cultural history with his unique, modern Judaica style.
Provenance: The Drimmer Family Collection.
This set is one of only five ever made. Numbered 4/5
Marked on the side of each train car.
Length, 120cm x Width, 19cm x Height, 21cm.
400 Oz.
Very Good Condition.
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Lot #269