Antique Polish Jewish Women’s Sabbath Cap Kupka with Wig Judaica 19th Century Poland

A fine and rare example of the antique, circa 1850 "kupka - kupke," a cap with wig. This type of Kupka was worn by well-to-do religious Jewish women on the Sabbath and holidays in Poland in the 19th century.

This magnificent Kupka is finely embellished in the highest quality of Spanier Arbeit, with embroidery of intricate patterns with gilt silver thread and bullion, decorated with small globular silver bids, and an interior with silk lining.

The braided wig is adorned with a black silk velvet ribbon and mother-of-pearl buckle, attached to the Kupka by a double-prong silver stick pin with a filigree ball head.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Polish Hasidic women shaved their heads entirely on the day after their weddings and started wearing a wig and the Kupka.

The custom of shaving the head the day after the wedding and wearing a wig is still practiced by Orthodox Jewish women worldwide.

REFERENCES: Esther Juhasz, ed., "The Jewish Wardrobe: From the Collection of the Israel Museum," Jerusalem, 2012, pp. 90-91.

We will provide the buyer with copies of the pages from the mentioned reference, together with a certificate of authenticity.

For related kupka at the auctions, please see the links below:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/44604261_a-ha...

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/the-h...

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/48442069_a-womens-sabbath-cap-poland-19th-century-hand-woven

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/40668747_a-magnificent-sabbath-cap-kupka-poland-19th

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/40668751_four-sabbath-caps-kupka-poland-19th-century-hand

DIMENSIONS:

Cap measurements: 17 cm. x 14.5 x 6 cm (6.69 inches x 5.71 inches x 2.36 inches).

Overall length, including wig: 58.5cm (23.23 inches).

PROVENANCE:

Acquired from an old Canadian collection of Polish antiques and art, including Judaica.

Please view our store content to see other rare objects from this collection.

THE DISPLAY STAND IS A PROP AND IS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE KUPKA.