Up for sale is a vintage Israeli ceramic relief wall plaque depicting the Bar Mitzvah tefillin ritual. It's a handcrafted or semi-handcrafted piece of Judaica art showing an older bearded man (likely representing a father, grandfather, or rabbi) assisting a young boy in donning tefillin (phylacteries) on his arm—a traditional Jewish coming-of-age ceremony marking the boy's transition to religious adulthood at age 13. The scene captures a tender, instructional moment: the elder figure, dressed in a dark caftan, white shirt, and kippah (yarmulke), gently wraps the tefillin strap around the boy's left arm while the boy, in lighter vest and pants with a matching kippah, looks on attentively, holding a small book or siddur (prayer book). The background includes a stylized six-paned window with green-tinted glass (evoking a shtetl or traditional home setting) and subtle floral or vine motifs at the base for decorative flourish. The plaque has a raised, three-dimensional relief design with multi-toned glazing in earth tones (beiges, browns, greens, and subtle golds) giving it depth and warmth.

Item Details:

• Material: High-fired ceramic (earthenware or stoneware) with glossy overglaze for durability and shine. The weight (just over 5 lbs) suggests a thick, solid slab construction rather than hollow or lightweight bisque—common in mid-century Israeli pottery to mimic the heft of ancient artifacts.

• Frame/Mounting: Integrated ceramic border with a subtle raised edge; rear shows a twisted wire hanging loop (possibly original or added) embedded in the back for wall display. No visible artist's mark or stamp in photos, but faint scoring on the back suggests workshop production.

• Condition: Appears great for age—minimal crazing or glaze wear visible. There are paint chips but no cracks, or repairs noted.The heavy weight indicates it's stable for hanging but requires a sturdy nail or hook.

This style is emblematic of post-1948 Israeli folk art, blending European shtetl nostalgia with modernist relief techniques inspired by ancient Near Eastern carvings.

Age: Mid-20th century, likely 1960s-1970s. The stylized figures, earthy glazing, and ritual theme align with the boom in Israeli Judaica production during this era, when artists and cooperatives (e.g., in Jerusalem or Haifa) created affordable decorative pieces for the diaspora and new immigrants. Similar plaques from this period often reference the cultural revival after Israel's founding, emphasizing traditions like Bar Mitzvah amid modernization. Not antique (pre-1940s), but collectible vintage—over 50 years old, qualifying for many resale categories.

Usage

• Primary: Decorative wall art in Jewish homes, synagogues, or study spaces (e.g., above a mantle or near a mezuzah). Symbolizes mentorship, faith transmission, and joy of mitzvot (commandments)—ideal for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, family heirlooms, or Hanukkah gifts.

• Secondary: Educational prop for teaching Jewish rituals to children; could display in cultural centers or as part of a Judaica collection. Not functional (no religious use like a shiviti plaque), but evokes emotional resonance for observant or cultural Jews.

Origin: Made in Israel, probably from a Jerusalem or Bezalel School-influenced workshop (though not directly Bezalel, as those are earlier and more ornate). The scene draws from Ashkenazi Eastern European Jewish life (shtetl aesthetics), adapted by Israeli artisans post-1948 to promote national identity and export Judaica. Similar pieces were mass-produced in small batches for tourists and emigrants, using local clays from the Dead Sea region for that signature weight and warmth. No hallmarks visible, but the style matches output from artists like those in the Israel Crafts Association during the 1960s tourism surge.

Dimensions:

Item dimensions: 10.25 in tall × 13.75 in wide × 1 in deep  

Weight of item only: 5.25 lb