The green patina technique
The green patina style, which characterizes a recently bought Passover Seder plate, was introduced by leading designer Maurice Ascalon to the Israeli metal crafts industry. The patina was formed through the application of chemicals to bronze and copper, producing a greenish effect. The technique was adopted by other manufacturers and became the hallmark of the Israeli decorative metal craft.
Maurice Ascalon (1913-2003), an Israeli designer and sculptor, was considered by some accounts, the father of the modern Israeli decorative arts movement. He was born in east Hungary and at the age of 15, left his family and began his art studies in Brussels and in Milan. He immigrated to Palestine and in the early 1930's co-founded the 'Omanut' company with his brother-in-law, Abraham Kom, producing functional art objects. In 1939 they founded 'Pal-Bell' with the intention of producing quality objects and functional metal items. 'Pal-Bell' appealing products were also exported to many countries.
