Etrog Box, 925 silver, octagonal — approx. 19 cm, Poppy model

There are containers whose value is only understood when you know what goes inside them. The etrog is a citrus fruit used during Sukkot — and it must remain completely undamaged. If the small blossom scar at its tip breaks off, it is unusable. This box is the answer to a very specific problem.

At a Glance

• Etrog box made of 925 sterling silver with lid
• 19 × 12.5 × 14 cm (L × W × H) — silver weight approx. 795 g
• Octagonal faceted basic shape, vertical edges
• Chased tendril and blossom ornament, ring as lid handle, four leaf feet
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948

What the Etrog Stands For

During Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, four plant species are brought together: the etrog, a palm branch, myrtle branches, and willow branches. They are held daily during the festival week. The etrog is the only fruit among them — and the only one that can be damaged without immediate notice.

The delicate point is called the pitam: the dried blossom scar at the tip. Where it is present, it must be preserved. A fruit that is moved, carried, and put down for days needs an environment that protects it.

Why the Box is Built This Way

The interior is traditionally lined with tow or fine flax, in which the fruit is bedded. The box itself provides the shape: stiff walls, a lid that fits, and no sharp inner edges.

The octagonal faceting has a side effect that has nothing to do with the ritual: A faceted wall is stiffer than a round one of the same material thickness. Each edge acts as a reinforcement.

Material

795 grams of silver in a container of this size means a wall that supports, rather than merely encloses. For a piece that comes out of the cupboard and goes back in every year, this is the difference between an instrument and a prop. And the densely chased ornament over the entire surface would not be possible on a thinner material — it would tear under the punch. The Italian hallmark of the manufacturer indicates the material.

What Happens Between Festivals

Sukkot lasts seven days in autumn. So the box stands empty for eleven months of the year — and that's precisely why it's made so that it still looks impressive even then. Many households use it in the meantime as a lidded box for pastries or as a jewelry container. This is not misuse, but the reason why such boxes are produced with such elaborate craftsmanship in the first place.

As a Gift

An etrog box is a gift to a household, not to a person — it is passed down. For a wedding, it is therefore a very meaningful gift: It begins with the first Sukkot together and returns every year thereafter.

An engraving is possible on the smooth rim between the lid and the body; we advise on placement and size beforehand. Upon request, we will include a SilverVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

Hand wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Before storing, the inside must be completely dry — residual moisture in a closed silver container will cause it to tarnish from the inside. When putting it away, place the lid slightly askew so that air circulates. Work in the chased ornament with a soft brush. More in the guide on caring for silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is padding included?

No. Tow or flax for lining is usually acquired separately and renewed each year.

How big can the etrog be?

The interior corresponds to the external dimensions of 19 × 12.5 cm minus the wall thickness — designed for fruits of commercial size including padding. For a particularly large specimen, it is worth measuring beforehand.

Is it also available in a different shape?

Yes — as a rectangular box with curved edges, slightly larger and with a more domed lid.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with an Italian hallmark. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

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Further pieces in the category Judaica made of 925 silver as well as in table silver.