German tas in silver

The tas (literally 'shield' or 'plaque') is a pectoral plaque suspended by a chain from the mantle of the Torah scroll, whose primary function was to indicate, by means of an interchangeable plaquette, for which feast or service the scroll was prepared. This practice developed in the Ashkenazi world, where the tas became a support for ornamental silverwork. The German pieces, in repoussé and chased silver, sometimes partially gilded, frequently display twisted columns framing the Tablets of the Law, confronted lions, a crown, and a small receptacle for mobile plaquettes. Their production, regulated by goldsmiths' guilds, often bears city hallmarks allowing their origin to be determined.