Diadem and Dagger: Jewish Silversmiths of Yemen

October 27, 2012 - January 21, 2013 | All Day

The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

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This focus show of 28 objects celebrates Yemeni-Jewish silverwork from the Zucker Family Trust and the Rosalee C. Davison collections, dating between the 18th and the 19th century. It is the first of two small-scale focus shows exploring Jewish communities of the Islamic world. The aim is to highlight the ways Jews both shared and contributed to Islamic art and culture while maintaining their Jewish identity.

From the inception of Islam in the seventh century, Jewish and Muslim communities co-existed in Yemen, although few Jews live there today. Yemeni-Jewish craftsmen created superb silver pieces characterized by elaborate granulation and filigree for Muslims and Jews. The Zucker collection consists of headpieces, bracelets, necklaces and belt buckles as well as daggers for the Muslim elite. Many are dated and carry the name of the Jewish silversmith and Muslim ruler.

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