ir-hakodesh: Aron kodesh curtain and valance, Jacob Koppel Gans, Bavaria, Germany, 1772/73, velvet w
ir-hakodesh: Aron kodesh curtain and valance, Jacob Koppel Gans, Bavaria, Germany, 1772/73, velvet with metallic and silk threadSince Jews were generally not allowed to join guilds in German-speaking lands before their emancipation in the 19th century, early signed works of ceremonial art made by Jewish artists are exceedingly rare, if one discounts works of folk art made by untrained craftsmen. This Torah curtain and matching valance are exceptions. The text of a cartouche at bottom left reads:“My handiwork in which I glory” (Isaiah 60:21) …Jacob Koppel son of Juda Leib, of blessed memory.The other personalised inscription appears at the top of the curtain and indicates the donor:Jacob Kitzingen son of the deceased Rabbi Leib K[atz], of blessed memory, and his wife Hendel daughter of…Tevli Ulma… from Pfrrsee. -- source link