Mother of Pearl Carving - Bethlehem-Palestine - Photos

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Mother of Pearl Carving - Bethlehem-Palestine

Posted by Peter Hoesli on September 28, 2015 at 7:17pm

This is a religious (nativity and last supper scene) mother of pearl carving from Bethlehem. Very large (23x21.6cm) and very deep carved, this outstanding example is dating back to the end of the 19th century/beginning of 20th century.Mother-of-pearl carving, a traditional handicraft in Bethlehem, is said to have been brought to the city by Franciscan friars from Italy in the 15th century and served to finance their living.Bethlehem's position as an important Christian city has for centuries attracted a constant stream of pilgrims. This generated much local work and income, also for women, including making mother-of-pearl souvenirs.The first exhibition in the west of mother-of-pearl artifacts from Palestine was at The World Fair in New York in 1852.

Comments

Lynn Ardent September 29, 2015 at 12:45am

Absolutely gorgeous Peter!! Congratulations. Was this made with many small mother of pearl parts put together?
Peter Hoesli September 29, 2015 at 2:00am

Dear Lynn; Many thanks for your comments. No, this is one entire piece/shell. This is what makes these pieces so special. When evaluating the quality of the piece, the depth of the carving is detrimental as it is very difficult to obtain such large/thick shells and at the same time to deeply carve them without damaging the piece. Of course, the artistic and finesse of the carving is another aspect on which a piece is judged. The same applies to the mother of pearl inserts of antique Balkan belt buckles. Many people say that the mother of pearl inserts of these buckles originate from Bethlehem, others decline it. However, I am still following up on this. These shells used to originate from the Red Sea in old days, which is most probably the case with this particular shell. Nowadays, these shells are being imported from Australia, Brazil and alike. There are also other mother of pearl artifacts manufactured in Bethlehem since centuries. A popular item is the "picture frame" set-up, featuring a wooden frame, which is then claded with many small (filigree-carved) mother of pearl plates and the center piece being a larger carved shell set-up, usually depicting the last supper. I am still trying to get one of those. However, same as this particular, very intricate and deep carved shell, it is very rare to come by such pieces in good condition as the picture frames are put together with many individual pieces, including delicately carved side curtains, etc., some of which may fall off over time.
However, these mother of pearl pieces are an important part of a Palestinian collection and Mrs Widad Kawar has a nice corner in her museum, dedicated to them. When I met her during the past, she used to remind me not to forget to add them to my collection, same as other religious artifacts, which form part of the Palestinian heritage and of course also jewelry.
With kind regards. Peter
Mustafa J. Salem September 30, 2015 at 6:45am

Fantastic piece Peter. So beautifully and professionally done . I cannot imagine the time spent to produce such a master piece with such a delicate work. I can see another dimension added to your great collection . Congratulations and thanks for posting this museum piece Peter.
Preethi September 30, 2015 at 7:55am

A magnificent piece, Peter. That gorgeous lustre!

It's large - was it used as personal adornment or in homes? The work reminds me very much of the Indo-Islamic jali work screens.
Thelma September 30, 2015 at 8:35pm

Congratulations, Peter. It was very interesting to read the details about this carving. The shell must have been enormous and the man who carved it ... both the lacy patterns and the figures .. must have had not only great expertise but also calm nerves. No room for error.
Peter Hoesli October 1, 2015 at 4:47pm

The above is a photo showing artists, carving such beautiful mother of pearl artifacts. This photo was taken long time ago at the American Colony. Nowadays, the American Colony is a gorgeous "Leading Hotel of the World" and the place I am usually staying when visiting Jerusalem! This hotel is an absolute must and only 10 minutes walk from the Old City! Regards. Peter
Peter Hoesli October 1, 2015 at 4:57pm

Dear All; Many thanks for your comments.

@ Preethi; these religious items are usually displayed in a special place at home. I have posted a while ago also a rather large, with mother of pearl inlay cross and a crucifix made of mother of pearl, which is also unique and displayed in the same way.

With kind regards. Peter