Velvet Ark Curtain (Parokhet) with Gold Embroidery from Poland

Curtain hung before the holy ark (aron kodesh) in Ashkenazi synagogues of Poland. On dark velvet, raised gold-thread embroidery depicts two twisted columns framing a Torah crown, confronted lions and a dedicatory inscription. The padded couching technique produces the characteristic relief. Frequently donated by a couple in memory of the deceased.