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

Almost a kilogram of silver for a box used seven days a year—that sounds disproportionate, until you hold it in your hand. The lid is so highly domed that it catches the eye, the walls so densely chased that there is no smooth surface left. It is the largest Etrog container from this workshop.

At a glance

• Etrog box made of 925 sterling silver with lid
• 19 × 13 × 11 cm (L × W × H) — silver weight approx. 985 g
• Rectangular base shape with curved side edges
• Highly domed lid, ring as a handle, four sculptural leaf feet
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — workshop since 1948

What the Etrog is

A citrus fruit that is held in the hand together with three types of branches during Sukkot. It must remain intact—in particular, the small dried-up flower stigma at its tip, the pitam, must not break off. Therefore, the Etrog is kept cushioned, not simply placed down. The box gives this padding support and shape.

The difference to its octagonal sister

The workshop builds this container in two basic shapes. The octagonal box is taller, edgier, and lighter at 795 grams; its facets give it a strict silhouette. This one is flatter, wider, and significantly heavier—the dome of the lid replaces the height, and the curved side edges soften the strictness.

Those who see both side by side usually decide quickly: it is a matter of edgy versus round, not better versus worse.

Why the lid is so highly domed

A flat lid would require less material and be easier to raise. The dome has two reasons. Inside, it creates space above the fruit so that the padding is not compressed. Outside, it is the surface upon which the ornament unfolds its effect—a relief on a curved surface casts different shadows with every angle of light than the same relief on a flat one.

Material

At 985 grams for this size, the wall is considerably thicker than in an ordinary lidded box—and that is a prerequisite, not an addition: The ornament is chased so deeply that thinner material would break through at the high points. It could not be produced using plating anyway; it would tear under the punch.

Eleven months of the year

Sukkot lasts for seven days in the autumn. The rest of the year, the box stands empty, and most households use it as what it outwardly is anyway: a lidded box for pastries, confections, or jewelry. With this format, it offers plenty of space for that.

As a gift

A piece of this magnitude is given on occasions that have weight themselves—a wedding, a milestone anniversary, setting up one's first home. It is a gift that is brought out again on the same days every year, and that is the best of all qualities for silver.

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

Care

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. The interior must be completely dry before storage—residual moisture in a closed silver vessel will cause it to tarnish from the inside, where a polishing cloth cannot reach. Place the lid on slightly offset when storing. Use a soft brush for the deeply chased ornament; the darker depth may remain in the recesses, as it makes the relief look sculptural. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Is padding included?

No. Tow or flax for lining is usually purchased separately and replaced each year.

Which of the two boxes is larger?

This one—with almost the same footprint, it is heavier and wider, while the octagonal one is taller.

Does the lid close tightly?

It sits on a circumferential rim and rests securely. It does not have a seal and does not need one—the fruit needs to get air.

Solid or silver-plated?

The piece is made of solid 925 sterling silver and is hallmarked. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the workshop.

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Other pieces in the category Judaica in 925 silver as well as in table silver.