DESCRIPTION: This stunning print by Jewish artist Michoel Muchnik is titled "Jerusalem Ring & Rose". It features a wedding ring with a rose in the ring. Atop the ring are buildings of Jerusalem, fruits of Israel and the artist's interpretation of the Holy Temple rising from behind. The print is done on an unusual floral petal paper which adds to the beauty of it.

King Solomon, in Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs) depicts the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people as that of a husband and wife. He compares the Jewish people to a rose among the thorns. Just as thorns surrounding a rose do not detract from its beauty, so too, the thorns of the world and the thorns of history do not mar the beauty of the Jewish people in the eyes of G-d or diminish their relationship.

Based on a 17th Century design, the Jerusalem Ring is symbolically surmounted with a scene of Jerusalem, featuring the Holy Temple, which will be rebuilt with the coming of the Messiah and will last forever. This image reminds us of the traditional blessing given to the bride and groom on their wedding day; "May you build an everlasting edifice in Israel." The wedding ring and the rose are an allegory of the marriage, the eternal bond, between G-d and the Jewish people which will be consummated with the rebuilding of the third Beit Hamikdesh (Holy Temple).

ARTIST INFORMATION: Muchnik is among the foremost Jewish artists of our time. His work is finely detailed and rich in Jewish symbolism. He manages to create artwork that is whimsical yet wise. Muchnik is represented by many Galleries and has exhibited worldwide.

This print would look wonderful in any Jewish home and would be a great Wedding Gift.