Ceramic Tzedakah box (Jewish charity coin bank). A traditional coin receptacle (often referred to in Yiddish as a pushka or pishka) used in Jewish homes to collect money for charitable giving, typically before Shabbat. The hand-painted text right below the fruit basket spells צדקה (Tzedakah), which translates directly to "charity" or "righteousness". The sphere features two distinct symbolic illustrations. The top painting portrays a fruit basket brimming with a bounty, symbolizing sustenance and sharing wealth. The lower emblem portrays a globe / planet Earth, reinforcing the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and the classic adage that charity is one of the pillars upon which the world stands.
The incised signature on the unglazed base edge reads HELLER. This signature belongs to the noted American sculptor and multi-media artist Yaacov Heller. Known widely for his complex, high-end works in electroformed silver, bronze, and gold, Heller spent decades working in both the United States and Israel. His extensive portfolio spans large-scale public installations, fine jewelry, and intricate biblical art.While he is most famous for metalwork and sculptures mounted on Jerusalem stone, he also crafted beautiful hand-painted ceramic studio pieces earlier in his career to explore classic Jewish motifs and traditional ceremonial objects. Studio pottery items from his Judaica collections are highly sought after by collectors of vintage Israeli-American art. Highly collectible.
Approximately 3.75 inches (approx. 9.5 cm) in height.
Excellent vintage condition.