Silver Judaica Inkwell with Scorpion Handles

This is a Russian silver inkwell, hexagonal in shape, exhibiting a blend of Russian Imperial and Jewish symbolism.

• Shape: Hexagonal
• Material: Russian silver
• Decoration:
  • Cast Scorpions: Flanked by cast scorpions.
  • Russian Crest: One side features an applied Russian Imperial double-headed eagle crest, a symbol of the Russian Empire.
  • Star of David: The opposite side features an applied Star of David.
  • Hinged Lid: The top has a hinged lid for accessing the inkwell.
  • Lion Finial: A cast lion finial sits atop the hinged lid.
• Hallmarks:
  • Assayer’s Mark “O.C. 1878”: This indicates the assayer’s initials and the year 1878, providing a precise date of manufacture.
  • “84 Standard”: This refers to the Russian silver standard, indicating that the silver is 84 zolotniks, which is equivalent to approximately 87.5% pure silver.

Russian Context:

• 1878: The year 1878 falls within the reign of Tsar Alexander II, a period marked by some reforms and a degree of liberalization in Russia. However, it was also a time of growing tensions, particularly concerning the Jewish population.
• Imperial Symbolism: The Russian double-headed eagle crest represents the authority of the Russian Empire. Its presence on this piece suggests that it was either commissioned by or intended for someone with connections to the Russian government or aristocracy.

Jewish Context:

• Star of David: The Star of David is a clear and powerful symbol of Jewish identity. Its inclusion on this inkwell indicates that it was owned by or made for a Jewish person or community.
• Scorpions: The scorpions are an unusual element. While they don’t have a direct Jewish symbolic meaning, they can be interpreted as symbols of protection or warding off evil. In some interpretations, they could be seen as a representation of strength or resilience in the face of adversity.
• Judaica Object: The combination of Russian Imperial and Jewish symbols makes this inkwell a unique and significant piece of Judaica. It reflects the complex and often precarious position of Jews in the Russian Empire during this period.