Oriented on making people closer

A unique artefact, the 11th-century Khorasan silver cup will be auctioned at Sotheby's London from 25 to 29 April 2025 during the Islamic, Oriental and Middle Eastern Art Week. It has already attracted the attention of not only collectors but also cultural historians. What makes this piece particularly valuable, valued at $3-5 million, is the presence of blessings in both Hebrew and Arabic, a vivid reflection of the deep cultural ties that existed in medieval Khorasan.

This ancient kiddush cup – a cup used to ritually bless wine or grape juice during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays – is believed to be the oldest surviving medieval one, and is more than just a historical relic. It is a visible symbol of tolerance and mutual respect among the various religious and cultural communities that flourished in the Khorasan region, a historical area that included parts of modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Khorasan was home to a Jewish community that actively interacted with the surrounding Muslim world during this period.

Sharon Lieberman Mintz, Senior Curator of Judaica at Sotheby's, emphasizes: "This cup is not only an exceptional testimony to the presence of Jewish communities in Central Asia during the Middle Ages and the cultural exchanges with the Islamic world that surrounded them. It also embodies a shared artistic language that cuts across religions and identities." The preservation of such an object for almost a thousand years is truly remarkable and testifies to the careful attention to cultural heritage, The Jerusalem Post writes.

The unusual combination of Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions on the Kiddush cup indicates the deep mutual influence and cultural affinity between the Jewish and Muslim communities of the region. The name of the cup's owner, Simcha ben Salman, is engraved next to dual blessings of joy in both languages. The Hebrew reads: "Simcha ben Salman, may Simcha live forever and ever," while the Arabic wishes: "Congratulations, blessings, joy and happiness, long life to its owner."

Researchers suggest that this duplication of blessings is not accidental and may reflect not only an aesthetic perception of textual symmetry, but also a deep respect for the cultural traditions of both communities. The repetition of the word "joy" in both languages ​​emphasizes the universal value of this concept.

Made of silver and decorated with elements characteristic of Central Asian art of that era, the bowl resembles some Muslim silver vessels of that period, which indicates the existence of a common artistic style. Experts suggest that the craftsman, probably a local Muslim jeweler, deliberately combined the blessings in two languages ​​out of respect for the Jewish owner and his name, as well as striving for aesthetic harmony.

The Cup of Joy is a rare and valuable testimony to the trade, cultural dialogue and prosperity of the Jewish community along the Silk Road almost a thousand years ago. Its appearance at auction, after decades in a private collection, is of great interest to experts in the fields of Judaica, archaeology and Islamic art, providing a unique insight into an era of peaceful coexistence and cultural enrichment. The Arabic inscription with wishes for good luck, blessing, joy, happiness, glory, prosperity, wealth, grace, success, health and long life to the owner underlines the significance of this cup not only as a ritual object, but also as a symbol of personal values ​​and a cultural heritage based on mutual respect and tolerance.

ORIENT

Photo: jpost.com