Bidspirit auction | A Silver “Shmirah” Kiddush Becher,

A Silver “Shmirah” Kiddush Becher, Poland- Ukraine, 19th Century - This exceptional silver Kiddush beaker, known as a “Shmirah Becher”, was fashioned from consecrated coins (shmiros) traditionally given by a Rebbe as a token of blessing and protection. Hasidic custom from earlier generations held that such coins, referred to as “Matbe’ot Shel Tzaddikim, ” “Shekel HaKodesh” or simply “Shmiros”, were preserved as sacred objects. Over time, when the collection of these coins grew, they were melted down and transformed into ritual objects—most commonly Kiddush cups—so that the blessing they carried would continue to accompany the sanctification of Shabbat and festivals. This beaker bears a personal inscription within a central shield-shaped cartouche: “זה עשה ר’ יודיל משמירות” – “This (beaker) was made by R’ Yudil from shmiros.” The form is cylindrical with a slightly flared lip. The central cartouche is flanked by lively folk-art depictions: on one side, a rampant lion with head turned and tongue extended, grasping the cartouche in its paws; on the opposite side, a griffin-like creature, crowned with a horn atop its head, also holding the shield. Between these figures, the surface is richly decorated with bold scrolling foliate and floral motifs, rendered in an expressive folk style against a lined ground, framed above and below by ornamental borders. The beaker rests on a flat circular base. This work exemplifies the deep fusion of Hasidic devotional practice and folk artistic tradition, where even a simple Kiddush beaker becomes infused with the sanctity and spiritual energy of shmiros. 1.99ozt. 6.5cm H., 5.7cm D.