Rare artistic engraving marking the 100th anniversary of the Hachnasat Kalla Society. Gailingen [Southern Germany, near the Swiss border], 1931.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. Thick paper. 27×20 cm. Hebrew and German. Black and white. The bride and groom and the one arranging the chuppah were colored by hand.
Unique features: Jewish canopy at center. The upper section features the year that the society was founded [1831] and its 100th anniversary [1931], flanked by the Luchot, and the Hebrew text “On the 100th anniversary of the Hachnasat Kalla Society” and the verse “Kol Sasson V’Kol Simcha ….” On the bottom of the leaf is a German caption describing the festive 100th anniversary celebration; the date Tevet, 1931; the location [Gailingen]; the artist [Yosef Wallersteiner]; and the publishers of the document [Administrative Committee of the Hachnasat Kalla Society]. Not in the National Library.
Yosef Wallersteiner [1911-2001] immigrated to Israel from South Germany. From the end of the 1930s through the 1960s, he and his brothers created metal artwork in their family business “HaKishut Wallersteiner.” His expertise was in reliefs. This is one of his earlier works, made while he was still in Germany.
Condition: Fine. Restored light tear in the blank margins. Aging stains.