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Tallit katan for a boy

Italian
18th century
Object Place: Europe

Medium/Technique Silk; embroidery
Dimensions 39 x 47.5 cm (15 3/8 x 18 11/16 in.) average length of tassel 33 cm
Credit Line Gift of Philip Lehman in memory of his wife Carrie L. Lehman
Accession Number38.1093
ClassificationsCostumes

DescriptionUndergarment (prayer shawl worn under clothes) worn by Orthodox male Jews. This example would have been worn special occasions (rather than for everyday use) by a small child for his first visit to synagogue.

Rectangular piece of blue satin lined with pinkish-orange taffeta with opening cut for neck. The neck and lower corners embroidered with tarnished metal (originally gold and silver) thread in satin stitch, with an edging of tarnished gold bobbin lace. Embroidery alike on both sides. Looped through the center of each flower in the four lower corners are four silk cords, knotted and bound in the upper portion in buttonhole stitch, forming a kind of tassel. Similar piece with cap to match formerly on exhibit in Cluny Museum. See Notes on collection for information on use.