Kelkglas op een vierkante plint met Hebreeuws opschrift c. 1851

This glass with Hebrew inscription, held in the Rijksmuseum, presents a fascinating intersection of form and symbol. The Hebrew inscription encircling the glass carries deep cultural significance, possibly indicating use during religious ceremonies such as Jewish holidays or weddings. Now, consider the motif of inscriptions on ceremonial objects. Think back to ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, adorned with hieroglyphs intended to guide the deceased. Similarly, we see Greek vases with inscriptions recounting heroic deeds. These parallels suggest a universal human desire to imbue objects with meaning. The inscription, acting as a mnemonic device, connects the user to a long chain of tradition. It embodies a cyclical return to the roots of cultural identity. The continuous re-emergence and re-interpretation of such symbols across time create powerful connections between past and present.