Ruth Zafrir Sculptures

Ruth Zafrir

A retrospective collection of the last thirty year's work

Sculptures

Ruth Zafrir Sculptures

Ruth Zafrir Sculptures A retrospective collection of the last thirty year's work

Ruth Zafrir

Sculptures

Second Edition 2011

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I am dedicated to a humanistic vision, amplifying themes drawn from life, either because I have experienced them personally, or observed them in people I care about because their existence has touched me deeply.

I begin each work of scultpure by first visualizing the forms I believe are already contained with a given log or block of stone, only waiting for my energy to release it from its cage. After the material is roughed-out by carving with a hammer and chisels, I go on to refine the shapes until they are finished with fine rasps and files.

My work reflect human warmth, a wide range of emotions, reflections and convictions, with tenderness, strength and movement.

Ruth Zafrir Sculptor

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Ruth Zafrir Sculptures

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My name is Ruth Zafrir. I am an Israeli artist, born 1932, Tel-Aviv, living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Until the age of 50, I was an elementary school teacher. At 50, I decided to change careers and study art. At first, I went to the Philadelphia College of Art and studied ceramics. But, I discovered that my real love was sculpture and I decided to enroll in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where I learned to love making sculpture by carving directly into marble without models or studies.

I studied additionally at La Cappela, Pietrasanta, Italy and at the Moravian Tiles Works, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

I am the winner of the following awards: The Edmund Stewardson Prize - 1987 The Mary Townsed & William Clark Mason Memorial Prize in Sculpture - 1986 The Stimson Prize in Sculpture - 1986 The Edward Stewardson Prize - 1984

In May 1989, I opened a new art gallery in the olde city of Philadelphia at 13 S. 2nd street, dedicated to sculpture, the only art space in Philadelphia devoted exclusively to the exhibition and sale of sculptures.

Since coming from Israel to the United States to pursue my art education, I have been impressed with the quality of art being produced in Philadelphia. It compares favorable with the art in the major art capitals of the world. It was my hope that my gallery would, in small measure, help to keep some of Philadelphia’s artists, sculptors in particular, closer to home by giving them an opportunity to show and sell. Aspiring artists from all over the world come to Philadelphia to study. Philadelphia is the home of five major fine art schools, yet the opportunity to show their art to the public is limited.

In my April 1991 solo show, I displayed works in a variety of mediums, but predominately Carrara Marble and as the critics said, impressively touching works. The sculptures depicted the love and compassion that I find in the human experience. Especially of my country, the wars there and the hoping for peace. At that time, they wrote “one can feel the emotions and effective combination of

forms in Ruth Zafrir’s creative works, works which will last and remain relevant for years to come.�

I am a direct carver in stone or wood. I examine the stone or wood for cracks and checks, removing any loose or crumbling surface material. Then I study its possibilities, taking into consideration surface veining, colors or streaks. I block out the main shapes using a steel point. Later on, as the idea becomes clearer, I use a chisel to remove stone or wood. Rasps are used to define the shape. When the removal process has reached the stage of recognizable forms, I use finer rasps and files as less material is removed. When the forms, lines and shapes have been composed to my satisfaction, I begin to finish the surface with various grade of sanding papers.

Stone can be buffed by hand using powders, water and waxes to achieve a satin finish or highly polished surface.

As a sculptor, I use sculpture as a self-expression of my inner feelings and emotions. My subjects are scenes from life, combining memories and life sketches.

My husband and I decided ten years ago to move to Delanco, New Jersey, so that we could live along the Delaware River. We bought an old house in extremely

run down condition, but on the river’s edge with beautiful views of the river at all times of the day, and in all seasons.

We spent two years restoring the house and moved into our new home in 1998.

The terrible tragedy of September 11, 2001, made a very deep impression on me. It evoked again in my heart the years of suffering that I felt for the innocent victims of senseless terrorism in my homeland, Israel. I decided to somehow create an artwork that would memorialize the pain and grief that I felt for those who perished and those who lost their loved ones. I thought it should be life-size to better express emotions and I thought the material should be marble for permanence.

I was able to obtain a 3,000 pound block of marble, six feet high by three feet square from the marble quarries of Vermont. I had the entire rectangular block shipped by truck to my home and mounted by heavy crane on a concrete base that I had built in my front yard.

That is where I began working on the statue four years ago, carving out of the original block. And that is where is stands today.

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SEARCHING FOR PEACE Alabaster 2010 8”x21”x4”

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DUCK Marble 2010 9”x12”x7”

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DANCER Alabaster 2009 8”x20”x5”

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WOMAN’S TORSO Marble 2009 13”x8”x6”

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IN GOOD HANDS Marble 2008 33”x34”x27”

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BABY ON MOTHER’S LAP Alabaster 2008 10”x9”x8”

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DANCER Bronze 2008 15"x3"x2"

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THE FLOWER Alabaster 2007 4”x11”x8” | “This Flower Like My Love Never Dies”

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SOPHIE’S CHOICE Carrara Marble 2007 65”x27”x16”

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My Michael Marble 2007 20”x21”x8”

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SITTING WOMAN Alabaster 2006 21”x15”x11”

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baby’s foot in mother’s hand Alabaster 2006 9”x14”x10”

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yoga Alabaster 2006 15”x27”x9”

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Mother Bear (PAFA 2006 first prize) Alabaster 2006 19”x11”x9”

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Rooster Spanish marble 2006 22”x14”x9”

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1/d016 Mother HUGGING HER CHILD Carrara marble 2007 35”x32”x27”

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4/a048 Lovers Alabaster 2006 10”x16”x11”

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5\a001/ WE WILL NEVER FORGET (SEPTEMBER 11. 2001) Marble 2005 6’3”x23”x21”

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6/a007 Motherly Love Marble 2004 28”x18”x14”

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7/b057 Sleeping Baby Marble 2001 18”x22”x14”

8/a006/ Laurel, Goddess of Nature

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Marble 2002 12”x11”x5”

8/a044 Laurel, Goddess of Nature Marble 2003 25”x35”x15”

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9/a071

Hands, Mother and Child Study for work in progress Ceramic 2000 8”x7”x4”

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10/a043 Mother and Child Marble 2000 12”x9”x4”

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11/b038

My Grandaughters Bar & Shira Hydrocal-plaster 2000 7”x10”x3”

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15/a074 Modesty (study) Ceramic 1999 7”x4”x3”

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12/a005 Modesty Marble 1999 34”x19”x16”

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13/a032 Shira My Granddaughter Ceramic 1999 7”x8”x6”

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14/c029 The twelve Tribes of Israel Ceramic 1999 20”x20”x4”

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16/a067 Wrestlers Hydrocal 1997 11”x22”x10”

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17/b036 Wild Geese Hydrocal 1996 13”x25”x3”

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19/eo35 Wild Geese Hydrocal plaster 1996 9”x17”x2”

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18/b053 "Wild Geese Mate for Life" Marble relief 1996 28”x51”x3”

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20/c020 Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love Bronze 1996 10”x25”x6”

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21/a002 MOTHER AND CHILD Marble 1995 39”x16”x17”

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26/b058 Angel of Love Ceramic 1995 12”x6”x4”

27/b059 Baby Angel Ceramic 1995 14”x6”x5”

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28/b060 Angel in Sea-Shell Ceramic 1995 7”x8”x6”

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29/b061 Angels Dancing Ceramic 1995 11”x8”x6”

30/b067 Angels Embracing Ceramic 1995 17”x6”x4”

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31/c004 Mardi Gras, face a Wood 1994 17”x11”x8”

32/c005 Mardi Gras, face b Wood 1994 17”x11”x8”

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34/c009 Fiddler on the Roof Wood 1994 19”x15”x11”

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35/b072 Dolfins Ceramic 1993 12”x12”x8”

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Sadness Carrara marble 1992 13”x9”x5”

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37/b071 Joy Carrara marble 1992 8”x13”x4”

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Head of a Horse Hydrocal 1992 17”x17”x8”

Head of a Horse Carrara marble 1992 19”x15”x7”

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40/d033

Exotic Bird Embroidery 1992 16”x15”

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HEAD IN PROFILE Alabaster 1991 14”x12”x3”

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41/b001 Rabbit Alabaster 1991 9”x8”x5”

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42/c006 Violation Wood & ceramic 1991 13”x14”x13”

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43/d017 Rabbit Soap stone 1991 9”x12”x8”

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44/c011 Prayer for Peace Wood 1991 24”x8”x8”

45/a036 “We Are From the Same Village” Ceramic 1990 19”x10”x8”

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46/a080 Male and Female Ceramic 1990 10”x7”x6”

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47/b063 Four Fish Ceramic 1990 9”x8”x8”

48/c032 Anger Hydrocal 1990 11”x11”x6”

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Innocence Hydrocal 1990 11”x11”x6”

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Shyness Hydrocal 1990 11”x11”x6”

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51/d012 Contemplation Carrara marble 1990 17”x9”x12”

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52/d014 We are Both from the Same Village” Soap stone 1990 43”x20”x13”

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53/a042 Grandmother Judith Mourns Her Grandchild Ceramic 1989 19”x12”x8”

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54/a045 “Sophie’s Choice” Hydrocal 1989 35”x15”x11”

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55/a054 Woman’s Bust with Earing Ceramic 1989 10”x8”x14”

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56/b025 Eye with Tear-Drop Carrara marble 1989 19”x9”x5.5”

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57/b065 Rooster Ceramic 1989 10”x9”x9”

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58/b068 Mother Hugging Her Baby Ceramic 1989 11”x6”x11”

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59/b069 Pregnant Gypsy Nursing Her Baby Marble 1989 19”x6”x8”

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60/b073

Pam and Her Children Hydrocal 1989 13”x10”x15”

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61/b074 Woman Holding Food Bowels Ceramic 1989 13”x12”x8”

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62/c001 Contemplation Alabaster 1989 19”x4”x7”

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63/c002 Bust of Black Girl Hydrocal 1989 21”x8”x7”

64/c012 Female Bust Hydrocal 1989 21”x9”x11”

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65/c013 The Rabbi Hydrocal 1989 25”x21”x15”

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66/c035 Relief of Renoir made at his home Ceramic 1989 11”x12”x3”

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67/d015 Embroidery Rug Wool on burlap 1989 67”x47”

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68/a014 Mourning Ceramic 1988 23”x7”x6”

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69/a033 Drowning Women Struggling to Reach Salvation Ceramic 1988 13”x8”x4”

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70/a034 Drowning Women Struggling to Reach Salvation, close up Ceramic 1988 13”x8”x4”

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Dancer Ceramic 1988 27”x7”x8”

Pitcher Painted with Nudes Ceramic 1988 12”x7”x7”

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73/a053 “From Whence Will Come My Help” Ceramic 1988 11”x6”x7”

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74/a058 Youth Feeding a Bird Hydrocal 1988 26”x15”x11”

75/a061 Female Nude Hydrocal 1988 32”x14”x9”

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76/a062 Male Nude Hydrocal 1988 33”x14”x13”

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Reclining Woman Ceramic 1988 6”x14”x7”

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78/a072 Feet Ceramic 1988 4”x7”x8”

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79/a077 Male Bust Hydrocal 1988 25”x13”x12”

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80/a079 Mourning of “Yom Kippur War” Bronze 1988 13.5”x5”x5”

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81/b003 Jerusalem the Holy City 4 Ceramic buildings 1988 Dimensions of mosque 15”x13”x15”

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Sitting Nude, side view Hydrocal 1988 27”x19”x11”

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83/b018 Indifferance Ceramic 1988 10”x11”x1”

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84/b020 Drowning War Victims Struggling to Reach Salvation Ceramic 1988 12”x21”x2”

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85/b029 Menora Ceramic 1988 16”x11”x2”

86/b047 Jug Ceramic 1988 7”x10”x8”

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87/b066 Female Nude Hydrocal 1988 35”x15”x8”

88/c014 Female Nude Hydrocal 1988 35”x12”x10”

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89/c028 Mother and Child Ceramic relief 1988 18”x14”x6”

90/c036 Haman the Evil Ceramic mosaic 1988 12”x11”x1”

91/c037

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Mordechai the Saintly Ceramic mosaic 1988 12”x11”x1”

92/c038 Esther the Queen Ceramic mosaic 1988 12”x11”x1”

93/c039 Ahasuerus, King of Persia Ceramic mosaic 1988 12”x11”x1”

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94/c043 Totem Pole, rear view Wood 1988 35’x13”x14”

95/c044 Totem Pole, front view Wood 1988 35’x13”x14”

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96/d002 Contemplation Carrara marble 1988 25”x20”x21”

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97/d009 Fish Carrara marble 1988 17”x16”x12”

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98/a012 Female Nude with Apple Hydrocal 1987 33”x20”x10”

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99/a013 Female Nude with Hat & Boots Hydrocal 1987 31”x15”x10”

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100/a017 Soldier’s Fair-Well Ceramic 1987 17”x6”x5”

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101/a020 Dove - a Peace Symbol Marble 1987 13”x17”x7”

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102/a027 Hanukah Menora Ceramic 1987 4”x14”x2.5”

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103/a037 Ballerina Hydrocal 1987 34”x14”x10”

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104/a039 Ballerina Hydrocal 1987 25”x10”x10”

106/a066 Female Nude Hydrocal 1987 19”x8”x13”

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105/a046 Hands Hydrocal 1987 8”x17”x7”

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107/a076 Happy Family Ceramic 1987 16”x14”x15”

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108/a078 Female Nude Hydrocal 1987 24”x12”x13”

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109/b004

Reclining Nude Hydrocal 1987 10”x22”x10”

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111/b007 Female Nude Hydrocal 1987 35”x17”x9”

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112/b016 The Walls of Jericho Fall Down Ceramic mosaic 1987 20”x15”x2”

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113/b017 War and Peace Ceramic mosaic 1987 12”x16”x3”

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114/b030 Plate with Fish Ceramic 1987 12”x12”x2”

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116/d029 Jezabel Waiting in the Window Ceramic 1987 26”x24”x3”

115/b037 Jezebel in Her Window Ceramic 1987 10”x13”x3”

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117/b051 Queen Esther Hydrocal 1987 38”x28”x18”

119/c016

Female Nude, rear view Hydrocal 1987 38”x11”x18” 113

120/c018 Female Nude, close up Hydrocal 1987 38”x11”x18” 118/c015 Female Nude Hydrocal 1987 38”x11”x18”

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121/c027 Soldiers Mourning their Dead Comrade Ceramic mosaic 1987 16”x24”x4”

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122/c040

Pregnant Woman Visualising Her Future Child Hydrocal relief 1987 20”x24”x5”

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123/c041 Pregnant Woman Hydrocal relief 1987 23”x22”x3"

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125/d011 Sigi, My Daughter Mourning her Dog “Tommy”, rear view marble 1987 17”x14”x9”

124/d010 Sigi, My Daughter Mourning her Dog “Tommy”, front view marble 1987 17”x14”x9”

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126/e038 Puzzle Ceramic mosaic 1987 11”x11”x2”

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127/a003 Mother and Child Marble 1986 28”x12”x7”

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128/a010 Male Nude Hydrocal 1986 33”x15”x10”

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129/a011 Female Nude Hydrocal 1986 32”x15”x10”

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130/a018 Loving Family, side view Ceramic 1986 16”x7”x6”

131/a019 Loving Family, front view Ceramic 1986 16”x7”x6”

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132/a024 Fish Ceramic 1986 4”x7”x4”

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133/a025 Hanukah Menora Ceramic 1986 6”x8”x2”

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134/a028 Bashful Fish Ceramic 1986 9”x23”x15”

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135/a029 Arrogant Fish Ceramic 1986 11”x31”x19”

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136/a030 Four Women - Pitchers Ceramic 1986 8”x4”x4”

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137/a052 feMale Nude Ceramic 1986 15”x7”x7”

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138/a060 Male Nude Hydrocal 1986 23”x7”x8”

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139/a065 reclining male Nude Hydrocal 1986 17”x23”x17”

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140/b002 Guy My Grandchild Hydrocal 1986 14”x7”x8"

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Prayer for Peace Ceramic 1986 27”x24”x23”

141/b008

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142/b014 Rachel Mourns Her Sons Ceramic 1986 7”x9”x10”

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Egyptian Goddess Ceramic 1986 16”x4”x4”

143/b015

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144/b048 Jug with Mask Ceramic 1986 7”x7”x7”

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145/c003 Sea Bird Wood 1986 15”x5”x5”

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146/c025 Bereavement Ceramic 1986 8”x20”x12”

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147/c026 Satisfaction Ceramic 1986 10”x22”x12”

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148/c042 The Six Days of Creation Ceramic mosaic 1986 14”x48”x3”

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149/e037 Six Days of Creation Ceramic 1986 32”x28”x2”

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Mother and Child, rear view Pink marble 1986 15”x10”x5”

Mother and Child, front view Pink marble 1986 15”x10”x5”

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Couple Embracing Carrara marble 1986 27”x14”x11”

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In the Style of Agam: one side - Houses; the other side - Woman in the Sun Ceramic 1986 22”x23”x3”

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The Observer Oil on Burlap 1986 28”x49”

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Four Faces of the Four Seasons Alabaster 1985 14”x12”x12”

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Flight to Freedom Carrara marble 1985 10”x17”x5”

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Cups as Womens’ Breasts Ceramic 1985 10”x4”x5”

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159/a057 Male Nude Hydrocal 1985 23”x11”x5”

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160/b026 Mor, My Grandaughter Ceramic 1985 17”x8”x3”

161/b028 Mask Ceramic 1985 10”x7”x3”

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Dove - Symbol of Peace Ceramic 1985 7”x8”x1”

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Fearless and Honest Lion Ceramic 1985 7”x8”x1”

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164/b034 Star of David for Peace Ceramic 1985 10”x10”x1”

165/b035 Mask Ceramic 1985 11”x14”x3”

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166/c022 Decorated Pitcher Ceramic 1985 15”x11”x13”

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167/c023 Bitterness Marble 1985 5”x6”x2”

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168/c024 Life and Death Marble 1985 3”x11”x4”

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Lamb Wood 1985 17”x16”x15”

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Mor My GrandauGther and Her Mother Rivi Soap stone 1985 19”x21”x9”

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The Kiss, to Michael with Love Alabaster 1985 11”x16”x7”

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Michael’s Name in Hebrew Against the Sign of the Lion Ceramic 1985 6”x10”x4”

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The Name “Michael” in Hebrew Embroidery on burlap 1985 12”x23”

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sitting nude Hydrocal 1984 26”x15”x11”

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Group of Pitchers: 3 Single Women & Pair of Lovers Ceramic 1984 30”x9”x6”

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Mor, My Grandaughter as an Infant Ceramic 1984 4”x16”x8”

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Baby Angels Ceramic 1984 9”x8”x1”

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The Kiss Wood 1984 19”x10”x10”

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Serenity Marble 1984 24”x35”x17”

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Mother and Child Soap stone 1984 20”x37”x12”

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Mask Ceramic 1984 11”x14”x3”

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Passionate Lips Marble 1984 3”x8”x3”

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Pitcher - Singing Woman Ceramic 1983 14”x8”x6”

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Pitcher - Man’s Head Ceramic 1983 13”x8”x6”

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War and Peace Ceramic 1983 13”x16”x16”

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Jug Ceramic 1983 6”x8”x8”

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Mask Ceramic 1983 7”x7”x4”

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Fish Ceramic 1983 6”x8”x4”

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Two Faces Ceramic 1983 7”x7”x7”

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Hollow Tree Ceramic 1983 7”x14”x4”

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Jug Ceramic 1983 5”x6”x6”

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Vase as a Mask Ceramic 1983 15”x12”x5”

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Mask of the Sun God Ceramic 1983 19”x34”x9”

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Bowl with Two Nudes Ceramic 1983 8”x14”x8”

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Bowl with Two Nudes Ceramic 1983 7”x14”x7”

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Pitcher with Flower Ceramic 1983 17”x5”x5”

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Pagan God Ceramic 1983 22”x14”x7”

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Pitcher of Female God Ceramic 1983 21”x7”x6”

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Mask 5 Pieces Ceramic 1983 8”x8”x2”

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War and Peace Ceramic 1983 22”x36”x5”

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Torso Ceramic 1982 13”x10”x11”

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Pottery with Painted Masks Ceramic 1982 18”x14”x14”

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Supplication Ceramic 1982 22”x9”x9”

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Mug Ceramic 1982 7”x5.5”x4”

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Pepper Ceramic 1982 12”x7”x7”

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Pitcher in Shape of a Woman Ceramic 1982 14”x10”x7”

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From Darkness to Light Ceramic 1982 23”x23”x5”

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Noah’s Ark Ceramic 1982 29”x29”x2”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY Wool On Burlap 1982 19”x19”

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22/b021 Adam and Eve in Heaven Ceramic 1981 11.5”x10.5”x1”

23/b022 Adam and Eve in Heaven Ceramic 1981 11.5”x10.5”x1”

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24/b023 Adam and Eve in Heaven Ceramic 1981 11.5”x10.5”x1”

25/c030 Adam and Eve in Heaven Ceramic 1981 11.5”x10.5”x1”

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Mother Choking Her Infant so the Nazis Will Not Hear her Cries Ceramic 1981 10”x4”x5”

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Embroidery Rug Wool on burlap 1980 18”x40”

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Embroidery Rug Wool on burlap 1979 22”x45”

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Embroidery Rug - Horses Wool on burlap 1978 21”x40”

Grapes Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

Olives Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

Figs Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

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Dates Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

Wheat Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

Pomegrant Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

the seven fruits with which israel was blessed

Barley Ceramic relief 1977 10”x10”x3”

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Sleeping Nude Ceramic 1977 6”x6”x1”

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Embroidery TAPESTRY Wool on burlap 1967 83”x69”

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Copyright Š Ruth Zafrir All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems without written prermission from Ruth Zafrir Printed in Israel July 2011

Ruth Zafrir

A retrospective collection of the last thirty year's work

Sculptures

Ruth Zafrir Sculptures

Ruth Zafrir Sculptures A retrospective collection of the last thirty year's work