This exquisite and rare ceramic tile artwork, created around 1924 by the renowned Bezalel School of Arts in Jerusalem, captures the biblical scene of The Return of the Spies from Canaan. This momentous episode, described in the Book of Numbers (13:23-27), depicts two Israelite spies carrying a massive cluster of grapes, symbolizing the extraordinary bounty of the Promised Land.
The composition is a masterful example of early 20th-century Bezalel craftsmanship, featuring intricate detailing, vibrant painted glazes, and a profound connection to Jewish heritage. Signed "Ceramics" on the lower right and "Bezalel" on the lower left, this piece stands as a testament to the institution’s dedication to preserving Jewish artistic traditions through fine ceramic work.
Very few examples of this piece have survived, making it an exceptionally rare collector’s item. The preservation of this artwork underscores its historical and artistic significance, offering a glimpse into the fusion of biblical storytelling and early Israeli artistic movements.
Signed "Ceramics" lower right and "Bezalel" lower left
Provenance, Private collection New York.
For an identical piece, see "Schatz’s Bezalel 1906-1929", Nurit Shilo-Cohen (ed.), The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 1983, p. 237, no. 5 (illustrated)
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Lot #154