Untitled

open ark with scrolls is depicted, with an inscription
(Hachlili 1998: 366-370, Figs. VII-46-48;
2000: 159, figs. 16, 17).
The general similarity observed among depictions
of arks in Diaspora catacomb art, with only
slight variations, seems to prove the existence of a
single prototype for the Diaspora examples, consisting
of an open-door ark and scrolls lying on
shelves. The design of an ark with arched roof,
open doors, and scrolls is treated more elaborately
on gold glasses than on catacomb tombstones,
which are usually simple, incised renditions. It is
quite possible that a similar prototype was used
for depicting scroll chests and arks in Jewish and
pagan art alike.
The difference in the way the ark is represented
in the Land of Israel and in the Diaspora
is interesting. In the examples from the Land of
Israel the ark has closed doors, while the Diaspora
images have open doors revealing scrolls lying on
shelves. The question arises as to whether this is
due to different traditions and customs involving
the Torah -reading ceremony, or different geographical
origins, or to the fact that in the Land
of Israel they are mostly depicted in synagogal art,
whereas in the Diaspora the arks are portrayed
in funerary art.
The ark with the closed door is the prevalent
type in synagogal art of the Land of Israel. It is
often depicted on synagogue mosaic pavements,
and treading on representations of Torah scrolls,
were the doors open, would be unacceptable. In
the Diaspora, where the ark usually appears in
funerary art and on lamps rather than floors, this
precaution was unnecessary.
the jewish symbols panel 27
Figure II-12. Representation of Torah shrine with the Ark of the Scrolls rendered inside the façade.
Figure II-13. Representation of the Ark of the Scrolls.