Lion of Judah - Limited Edition Giclee

One hundred tiny micro calligraphy inscriptions are used to create this depiction of Genesis 49:8-12 which portrays the Tribe of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and leader and progenitor of the Davidic line. “The staff [of leadership] shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh [the Messiah] comes.”

These verses are the blessing that Jacob, laying on his deathbed, gave to his son Judah. This blessing describes the necessary qualifications for kingship; which Jacob found only in Judah from among all of his sons.

“ your hand is on the neck of your enemies ” Judah was so strong in battle that all his enemies turned their backs and fled. “ from the prey, my son, you have arisen ” He was superior to his brothers spiritually and ethically. Judah was not unstable as Reuven, the firstborn; nor were instruments of battle in his hands, as they were in the hands of Shimon and Levi, the second and third sons. Here Jacob hinted that Judah’s hands were not bloodstained, but rather it was he who saved Joseph from being killed at the hands of his brothers. “ he crouches as a lion, and as an old lion, who shall rouse him up?” Judah had the required strength and persistence for leadership. He remained staunch as a crouching lion, and no one dared try to move him. It was for these reasons that “ the scepter shall not depart from Judah.”

Symbols such as the pomegranates adorning Judah’s crown repeatedly appear as a motif in Jewish art connecting two main themes. The pomegranate’s “crowned” head is a symbol of royalty while its multitude of seeds embodies the fulfilling of the prophecy and the commandment to “be fruitful and multiply.” Combined together, archaeological remnants, located in Israel and other ancient sites, reflect the importance of mosaic art throughout history including the days of Judah. Now you can bring a piece of this biblical history into your home with Ellen Miller Braun’s curling, swerving design which captures the true essence of this historically rich ancient style.