The pomegranate, one of the seven Biblical species of the Land of Israel, has always been a popular motif in Jewish art. Filled with seeds, this fruit is rich in symbolism, mostly connected with bounty and fertility.
Pomegranates appeared on the capitals of the two columns, Yakhin and Boaz, that stood at the entrance to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem (I Kings 7:20), and decorated the hem of the High Priest's robe (Exodus 28: 33-34).
Three pomegranates on a stem were decorated on the shekel coins minted during the Jewish War against Rome (33-70 C.E.).
This item comes with a certificate of authenticity of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Enclosed is a small description of its historical background in English and Hebrew.