Pewter passover tray, Germany, 18th century. The outer rim has wriggle- work engraving of the order of the Seder service, along with a pair of birds flanking two Hebrew letters, which are the initials of the owner of the tray. Inner rim has two crowned lions (likely symbolizing Lions of Judah), two birds, and a deer. Below them it states “Seven days you shall eat Matzah” (Exodus 12:15), and “Passover Matzah Bitter Herbs”. Germany, late 18th century. This tray is quite charming in the naïve workmanship of the engraving, particularly those of the animals depicted. The bodies of the lions and deer are wildly out of proportion, indicating that this tray was not engraved by a professional artisan, rather by someone who has no refined artistic abilities, and is self-taught. For the Folk Art enthusiast!. Provenance: Dr. Jesse Greenberg, Englewood New Jersey.
