Two Illustrated Torah Binders – Copenhagen, Denmark, 19th Century

Two Illustrated Torah Binders – Copenhagen, Denmark, 19th Century
Two wimpels (Torah binders). Copenhagen, Denmark, 1825, 1830.
The use of the wimpel – as a swaddling cloth for a baby boy, repurposed as a Torah binder – is documented among German-Jewish communities as early as the 16th century. Although the custom was also widespread among Jews in Switzerland, Alsace, Bohemia, Moravia, and Denmark, few wimpels of Danish provenance are actually known to us.
Ink, paint, and block print on linen.
1. Wimpel for the circumcision ceremony of "Feivush son of […] Kosman, […] the Holy Sabbath, the 27th of Elul – [under the] Sign Virgo – 5585 [1825] …" (Hebrew). With vegetal patterns, and with illustrations of an upraised, open Torah scroll and a wedding canopy.
Width: 350 cm. Height: 16 cm.
2. Wimpel for the circumcision ceremony of "Aaron son of […] Zerah Segal, born on Tuesday, the 4th intermediate day of Passover 5590 [1830]…" (Hebrew). With illustrations of the head of a lamb (symbolizing Aries, Zodiac sign corresponding to the Hebrew month of Nisan), and of an upraised, open Torah scroll and a wedding canopy. Framing border with recurrent vegetal pattern, block printed.
Width: 330 cm. Height: 21 cm.
Provenance:
1. The Michael and Judy Steinhardt Judaica Collection.
2. Sotheby's, the Michael and Judy Steinhardt Judaica Collection, auction, New York, April 29, 2013, lot no. 181.