Ottoman Empire Torah crown (Keter)

The Torah crown (keter) is a silver ornament that crowns the two staves of the Torah scroll, symbolizing the royalty of the Law, in connection with the 'crown of the Torah' evoked by rabbinic tradition. It may replace or complement the pair of rimonim. In the Ottoman Empire, these crowns superimpose several registers of pierced gilded silver, adorned with bells, flowers, and sometimes set stones or colored glass, in a work of silversmithing that blends an Oriental floral repertoire with Jewish ritual symbols. They rank among the most prestigious pieces in a Sephardic synagogue's treasury.