6th International Harp Competition

The Sixth International Harp Competition
Official Award Medal, 5736-1976

The sixth International Harp Competition took place in Israel in 1976. Marc Chagall; world renowned artist, famous for his paintings, vitreous creations, consented to design the medal issued in conjunction with the sixth competition. This is the only medal designed and signed by Chagall.

Obverse: In the center, the word "Harp" (Nevel). The "Bet" forms the figure of a harp, an inscription in French: "Israel 1976". Around the rim, an inscription: "Sixth International Harp Contest" in English and French.

Reverse: Chagall's "King David". The crown on the king's head is connected to a figure resembling a hen. The hen is strumming the harp with its tail. Below, Chagall's signature. On the rim, an inscription in Hebrew: "The Sixth International Harp Contest, Jerusalem, Elul 5736".

Edge: The State emblem and the inscription "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The gold medals bear "G 900".

Serialization: All the medals are numbered. Bronze - 1968 have been numbered, 1767 have been melted.

Designer: Nathan Karp, according to Chagall's drawing.

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Bronze - Hecht. Gold - Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.