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An Early 19th Century Polish Silver Spice Container

$3,040
$3,80020% Off
£2,348.93
£2,936.1620% Off
€2,715.58
€3,394.4820% Off
CA$4,295.74
CA$5,369.6720% Off
A$4,817.96
A$6,022.4520% Off
CHF 2,523.09
CHF 3,153.8620% Off
MX$58,542.89
MX$73,178.6120% Off
NOK 32,039.02
NOK 40,048.7720% Off
SEK 30,375.24
SEK 37,969.0620% Off
DKK 20,270.39
DKK 25,337.9920% Off

About the Item

An early 19th-century Polish spice container, like this one which was used for the Jewish ritual of Havdalah, reflects both the cultural and religious practices of Polish Jewry during that period. These spice containers, also known as "Besamim boxes," are used to hold aromatic spices that are smelled during the Havdalah ceremony, marking the end of Shabbat. Poland was home to a large and vibrant Jewish community, with rich traditions and a strong emphasis on ritual and religious observance. The Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week. The use of a spice container is a key part of the ceremony, intended to provide a sweet fragrance to carry the spirit of Shabbat into the week. These containers often take on a variety of whimsical shapes. This particular container is set on a square base with an applied stepped dome decorated with a leaf pattern and a cylindrical banded stem. Intricate leaf-shaped engravings adorn the lower half of the container and a laurel leaf lace-like pattern is chased at the center band. Pierced openwork holes on the upper half were designed to allow the aroma of the spices to escape. A crown with bird finial is expertly applied to the top of the container. The container's upper dome is made to be removed and filled with spices like cloves, cinnamon, or myrtle. Hallmarked at the side of the base. 2.58ozt.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)Depth: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Silver,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5281240343532

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