Tchochkes

Old world style in Tel Aviv

Historic Sarona in Tel Aviv has just been opened to the public after a 5 year long renovation of the area. This old German protostant community of houses that date back to the 1920’s are rich in architectural detail and old world style.  I recently had a chance to visit the site, which is just west of the Misrad Hapanim here in Tel Aviv on Kaplan street.  Featured below are some photos I took of the original wall art paintings that were uncovered and restored in some of the houses in Sarona.  I highly recommend a stroll through this old community which is now open for public appreciation. You can’t go inside the houses, but  being on the grounds amongst the old homes brings back a strong sense of the past.

The simplicity of these wall paintings breathe nostalgia.  

These border paintings, which are typically placed along the top of a wall just under the ceiling line; reflect true country style!

Notice the greyed down colors used in these patterns.  The old pigments were mixed with egg whites that served as an adhesive, the same technique as used in Italian fresco paintings…  very Michael Angelo right here in our own back yard!

These swans were a centerpiece for a longer, more detailed border painting.  Below you can see the swan pattern in full detail. 

These odd looking cast iron sculptures “Menchelach”  which means little man in German, are actually shutter holders. They sit on each side of the shutter and grip the edge to prevent it from moving. During the restoration they were stripped of many layers of paint to reveal their fine details.  

In the future, these sculptures are to be enshrined in a “Menchelach museum”somewhere on the grounds of Sarona.   This museum will be the one and only museum of its kind in the world.  Pretty COOL! 

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