This stunning, vibrant ruby-red art glass plate is crafted in an elegant heart shape and serves as a beautiful piece of Judaica. The center features the Hebrew word "Ahava" (אהבה), which translates to "Love". The calligraphy is meticulously hand-painted in an ornate gold, black, and red enamel dotting style reminiscent of classic European glass gilding.

The plate features a continuous handwritten perimeter inscription in gold script detailing a famous historic location in France.

Inscription Translation & Significance

The French text wrapping around the border reads:

• "Rue des Rosiers, Paris, France" Significance: Rue des Rosiers (Street of the Rosebushes) is a historic street located in the Fourth Arrondissement of Paris, France. It sits at the heart of the famous Jewish quarter, historically known as "Pletzl" (Yiddish for "little place"). This makes the plate not just a decorative item, but a meaningful souvenir or commemorative art piece originating from one of Europe's most famous historic Jewish communities.

Origin & Material

• Material: Ruby-red blown/slumped art glass. The textured underside and polished rim edges point toward European artisan production.

• Origin: Most likely a Murano (Italian) red glass blank hand-decorated/painted by an artisan shop or studio located on or associated with the Rue des Rosiers in Paris, France.

• Age: Circa late 20th Century (Estimated 1980s–1990s based on the enamel style, script execution, and glass composition).

Condition

• Excellent Vintage Condition. No chips, cracks, or flea bites found on the glass. The hand-painted gold enamel remains bright and highly intact with negligible surface wear. (Please see all macro photos for exact cosmetic condition).

Dimensions

• Width: 7.75" (at the widest point of the heart)

Height: Approx. 7.5"

Reference

For historical context on the Jewish artisan community and cultural significance of the Parisian Jewish quarter where this piece originated, see:

• Book Title: The Jews of Paris and the Final Solution: Communal Response and Internal Conflicts, 1940–1944

• Author: Jacques Adler

• Page Reference: Page 12 (Contextualizing the cultural heart of Rue des Rosiers as the epicenter of Jewish commerce, art, and community life in France).