Name

Early American Royal Arch Apron

Origin/date 

US, around 1800.

Material and dimensions

Drawn and painted on silk and gold leaf. Red fringe.

Description

Very uncommon apron representing the old coat of arms of the Antiens and the working tools of Royal Arch Masonry.

Central motif is showing two goat-footed angels flanking the shield of Jeshua, the High Priest. The shield bears on its face four creatures which are said to represent the principal tribes of Israel: Dan (eagle), Reuben (man), Ephraim (ox) and Judah (lion). Above is a small figure of the Ark of the Covenant. Below are the crow bar, the pickaxe and the shove, the working tools of Royal Arch Masonry. On the flap the all-seeing eye with glory rays.

Provenance

US, private dealer.

Literature

For a similar apron see:

http://www.grandchapterofwashington.org/20_grand_chapter_about.html