Torah shield

The Torah shield (Hebrew: Tass) is constructed like a stage and features a rich, multi-zone design. The lower section consists of an ornamental zone of embossed flowers and foliage set against a scale-like background, with a tall oval medallion bearing inscriptions at its centre. Above this is a rectangular field for the festive tablets, which are now missing, above which appear the tablets of the law with the Ten Commandments. These are enclosed by a curved rocaille frame, at the top of which is a seven-armed, tree-like menorah candlestick. The entire central zone with the medallion, sign field, tablets of the law and menorah is framed by a profiled strip, which in turn is surrounded by a field of finely engraved flowers. The ensemble is covered by a richly draped curtain that extends from a crown. Another shield is probably missing below the crown. On the back is a small door for the interchangeable shield panel; the festive slide itself is no longer present. The curtain, crown, tablets of the law and inscription medallion are gilded. All attached parts – curtain, crown, sign field and medallion – are mounted and screwed in place on the back. The Hebrew inscription from 1861 refers to Jakob Götz as the owner of the Torah shield.