Artist:
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Michael Ende
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Title:
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Wedding ring on chain
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Date:
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c. 1985
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Medium:
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Gold, silver
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Dimensions:
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3 1/16 x 1 3/16 x 7/8 in. (7.78 x 3.02 x 2.22 cm) (ring only)
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Credit Line:
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Gift of Kenneth and Sally Leafman Appelbaum
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Location:
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Gallery 362
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Joint label with 2003.228.32
Rings are a time-honored symbol of marriage. In Jewish tradition, an essential part of the marriage ceremony is the time of betrothal, during which the groom places a ring on the brideâs right hand as a symbol of their dedication to each other. The particular house-like bezel shape of these rings, traditionally used since the Middle Ages, hints at another element of Jewish marriage tradition in which marriage is equated with the establishment of a household.
Inside the bands are inscribed the initials âMâ (×) and âTâ (×), which stand for the phrase âMazel tovâ ( ××× ×××). This phrase is colloquially used as âGood luck.â âMazelâ is believed to come from the Hebrew word mazal, meaning âconstellationâ or âdestiny,â and tov, meaning âgood.â When more literally understood, the phrase acts as an affirmation that life has been favorable for a person and should be considered more akin to saying, âCongratulations.â In the marriage ceremony, this phrase is typically shouted at the end of the ceremony after the traditional breaking of the glass, thereby affirming that life has been and will, with Godâs blessing, continue to be favorable for the couple.
Artist/Creator(s)
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Name:
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Ende, Michael
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Role:
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Maker
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Nationality:
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Israeli
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Life Dates:
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Israeli, born 1945
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Object Description
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Inscriptions:
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Marks on bottom, stamped: [21 K/ HANDMADE/ BY M. ENDE/ (sack) ME (lion)]
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Classification:
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Judaica
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Physical Description:
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brick building with small tower, topped with movable pennant, atop ring, "V" shapes connect ring at sides; 4 silver birds at bottom edges of ring; gold chain
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Creation Place:
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, Israel, , ,
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Accession #:
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2003.228.31
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Owner:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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