Robe, Turkey, late 19th century, Velvet, silk lining, embroidered with metal thread, On loan from the Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection, Toronto, LI2019.17.5

Robe, Turkey, late 19th century, Velvet, silk lining, embroidered with metal thread, On loan from the Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf Collection, Toronto, LI2019.17.5

Tailored for the senior rabbi of a synagogue in Bukhara, in modern-day Uzbekistan, this spectacular robe draws on a long Ottoman tradition of ornately decorated textiles. The robe, which would only have been worn on special occasions, features embroidery that evokes the Star of David or Shield of David, an important Jewish symbol. These patterns would have been dramatically displayed when the rabbi turned his back to the congregation before revealing the Torah scroll.

Wolf Collection

late 19th century

Wolf Collection

Materials: Velvet, silk lining, embroidered with metal thread

M.M. Wolf Collection LI2019.17.5

Turkey