Silver Torah Breastplate (Tas) by Maxwell Chayat, Circa 1950. A striking mid-20th century silver Torah breastplate (tas) by noted modernist silversmith Maxwell Chayat, signed on the reverse and bearing his stamped maker's mark. Executed in sterling silver, the piece features a bold, geometric shield form with cut Hebrew lettering reading, "Israel and the Torah are one," integrated into a sculptural arrangement of rising flame-like elements accented with small cabochon stones. The design is framed by a contrasting border and suspended from its original chain. The reverse shows the original mounting hardware and latch consistent with synagogue use for decorating a Torah scroll. The surfaces display light wear and handling marks, appropriate to age and devotional use, and the piece retains strong original definition and presence.
Maxwell Chayat is recognized as one of the leading figures in modern Jewish ceremonial silver, known for combining traditional religious symbolism with mid-century design principles. His work is represented in numerous museum collections and private holdings, and his Torah ornaments are particularly sought after for their architectural structure and expressive abstraction.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500
Judaica
