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A Polish Metal Printing Block for a Printing Press

$2,500
£1,901.14
€2,192.87
CA$3,502.04
A$3,919.48
CHF 2,046.58
MX$47,817.86
NOK 25,978.64
SEK 24,652.13
DKK 16,375.34
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About the Item

This is an antique Polish metal printer's block, used for printing Hebrew text or religious documents. Printer's blocks like this were essential tools in the printing process, particularly for Judaic materials, such as religious texts, bookplates, or decorative borders. The block is made of metal, possibly lead or a lead-based alloy, as was common in 19th and early 20th-century printing blocks. Metal provided durability for repeated use. The prominent Hebrew inscription reads "סידור" (Siddur), meaning "Prayer Book". This suggests that the block has been used to print pages or covers of sacred Jewish texts, such as prayer books. The block features ornate decorative patterns around the central text including, symmetrical floral motifs at the top and bottom, reminiscent of Eastern European Judaic art, a stylized sunburst design above the word "Siddur," adding visual elegance and significance to the "sacred" theme. These embellishments reflect the artistic traditions of Polish and broader Ashkenazi Jewish design. The block is framed with multiple, finely engraved rectangular borders, creating a clear margin for the printed text and enhancing the visual structure. This printer's block was part of a letterpress printing process, where ink was applied to the raised parts of the block, and the design was pressed onto paper. This artifact highlights the craftsmanship and care devoted to Hebrew printing in Jewish communities of Poland, particularly during the pre-modern and early industrial printing eras. It represents not only a tool of communication but also a piece of Jewish cultural and artistic heritage.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.26 in (10.8 cm)Width: 2.6 in (6.6 cm)Depth: 0.12 in (3 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Lead,Metal,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5281242796242

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