Kabbala dinnerware in gold
Kabbala dinnerware in goldIsrael news photo by Doron Merdinger (PR)

An Israeli designer who once worked for the king of Abu Dhabi has come up with an unusual gimmick -  items for high class "Kabbala” fans using Muslim designs. Prices range from $200 to a mere $70,000.

Doron Merdinger, who was appointed as the private gold designer of the king of Abu Dhabi and the king of Turkmenistan, is “converting” the Arabesque shapes into what he terms the "Kabbala world of accessories and tableware" for the high society of erstwhile "Kabbala believers" around the world.

"Kabbala", with its symbols and esoteric works has become a fad among wealthy celebrities, including Madonna. However, true Kabbala is the difficult study of Jewish mysticism approached ony by certain recognized scholars, and that generally not until they have immersed themselves in Talmud and other Judaic works until the age of forty.

Kabbala is far from a populistic discipline. Nachmanides'  famed 13th century commentary on the Bible is replete with Kabbalistic references, whose interpretations, for example, are still the subject of serious research. 

Using a 3-D technique he developed, Merdinger created a special necklace for Madonna with her adopted "Kabbalistic name", Esther.  

The Arabesque is originally taken from the Islamic spiritual world. It is a geometrical classic pattern from ancient times that combines shapes of plants with animals. According to some theories, the Arabesque represents an endless, harmonic, peaceful world, Merdinger says.

When the shapes are attached to each other, they create an endless chain of patterns that are considered to be beyond the mind's understanding and visual conception.

The Arabesque contains what is known as the “Merkava sign,” meaning two pyramids attached on each other in 3 dimensions, while in 2-D it symbolizes the Star of David.

Merdinger's latest collection includes dinnerware, cutlery, stemware, coffee sets and tabletop accessories such as salt and pepper holders and candlesticks with those themes.

One dinner plate goes for $209. An entire set, including cutlery and accessories, costs $70,000.