Existing comment:
African walnut wood and brass panels of Ancient musical instruments by Nechemia Azaz
Nehemia Henri Azaz (1923–2008), sculptor, ceramicist, and creator of stained-glass windows, was invited by Yitzhak Rabin in 1972 to carve the wall for this lounge. Azaz used African walnut wood with brass and copper foil and metallic wire to depict forty-three ancient instruments mentioned in the Old Testament.
Born in Berlin, Azaz moved to Palestine as an infant. In 1945, he apprenticed with Italian monumental stonemasons in Bologna, Italy. He also apprenticed as a sculptor and stained-glass maker in Amsterdam, later studying art in Paris and ceramic chemistry in Holland.
In Israel, Azaz is widely known for establishing the Harsa pottery ceramic art department in the mid 1950s. From the 1960s onwards, Azaz turned his attention to large scale architectural sculpture in a variety of materials such as concrete, wood, metal and stained glass. Azaz's work adorns public buildings, synagogues, educational institutions and corporate offices in Israel, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. |