Gilded Leather Ark Curtain from Holland

In the wealthy Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities of Amsterdam, the ark curtain could be made of embossed, painted gilt leather, so-called Cordovan leather, then prized for wall hangings. The baroque floral motifs in relief are highlighted with gold and colored glazes, and the Hebrew inscription is set in a central cartouche. A sumptuous piece adapting secular luxury to worship.