Coming Soon
A magnificent and exceedingly rare 18th-century Eastern European wooden Purim grogger, hand-carved from dense hardwood (probably oak or fruitwood) in the classic triangular form favored by Ashkenazi communities before 1820. The deep, almost ebony-black patina — achieved only after 200–250 years of handling — glows with subtle reddish-amber highlights that catch the light like aged mahogany. The frame is assembled with traditional pegged mortise-and-tenon joints; the central ratchet wheel is meticulously gouged with 20+ hand-cut flutes of varying depth, producing a thunderous, resonant clatter when spun. A thin wooden tongue clapper, wedged into the frame, strikes the teeth with explosive volume — easily loud enough to drown out Haman’s name in a packed synagogue. The gracefully turned handle terminates in a bulbous knob, polished glass-smooth from generations of children’s and adults’ hands. Evident shrinkage cracks, end-checking, and minor worm trails (inactive) are present exactly as expected in a piece of this age, adding undeniable authenticity rather than detracting from it. No repairs, no replacement parts noted — a true museum-grade survivor of pre-modern Jewish life in the Pale of Settlement. Still fully functional and ready for another century of Purim celebrations.
Age: Mid-18th to very early 19th century, circa 1750–1820 (most probably 1770–1810). This dating is supported by complete absence of machine tooling, pegged construction, extreme patina depth, and direct comparison to documented examples in major Judaica collections.
Usage: Traditional ritual noisemaker for the Jewish holiday of Purim. Spun rapidly every time the name of Haman is read during the Megillah to symbolically “blot out” the memory of Amalek. Also used as a children’s toy and carnival instrument during the festive holiday.
Origin: Handcrafted in Eastern Europe (Galicia, Poland, Ukraine, or Lithuania) by an anonymous Jewish artisan in a shtetl workshop during the late 18th or very early 19th century, before the widespread availability of metal components and factory tooling.
Item dimensions: 8.5 in tall × 8.75 in wide × 2 in deep
Weight of item: 10.7 oz
Styled With
You may also like