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

There are containers whose value you only understand when you know what goes inside. The etrog is a citrus fruit used for Sukkot — and one that must remain completely undamaged in the process. If the small stigma at its tip breaks off, it is unfit for use. 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 base shape, vertical edges
• Chased vine and floral ornament, ring as lid handle, four leaf feet
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacturer since 1948

What the etrog represents

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

The sensitive point is called the pitam: the dried stigma at the tip. Where it is present, it must be preserved. A fruit that is moved, carried, and set down again for days requires an environment that supports it.

Why the box is built this way

The interior is traditionally lined with tow or fine flax, into which the fruit is bedded. The box itself gives the whole thing its shape: rigid walls, a lid that sits securely, and no sharp inner edges.

The octagonal facetting has a side effect that has nothing to do with the ritual: a faceted wall is more rigid 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 just encloses. For a piece that comes out of the cupboard and goes back in every year, this is the difference between a tool and a prop. And the densely chased ornament over the entire surface would not be possible on a plated piece — it would tear under the punch.

What happens between the festivals

Sukkot lasts for seven days in the autumn. Thus, the box stands empty for eleven months of the year — and that is precisely why it is crafted to look 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 crafted with such effort in the first place.

As a gift

An etrog box is a gift to a household, not to an individual — it is passed down. For a wedding, therefore, it is a very enduring gift: it begins with the first Sukkot together and is there again every year thereafter.

An engraving is possible on the smooth rim between the lid and the body; we provide advice on placement and size in advance. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth; dry thoroughly afterwards. No dishwasher. Before storing, the interior must be completely dry — residual moisture in a closed silver vessel will cause it to tarnish from the inside. When storing, place the lid slightly offset to allow air to circulate. Work on the chased ornament with a soft brush. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Is padding included?

No. Tow or flax for lining is usually sourced separately and replaced every year.

How big can the etrog be?

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

Is it also available in another 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, hallmarked – we do not offer silver plating. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

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.