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German Silver Besamim Spice Tower, Germany Circa 1900

$1,500
£1,134.09
€1,323.41
CA$2,134.43
A$2,165.30
CHF 1,236.27
MX$26,218.39
NOK 14,553.93
SEK 14,505.62
DKK 9,896.04

About the Item

An elegant German silver besamim spice tower designed in a refined architectural form, combining traditional Judaica ritual function with elaborate Victorian decorative artistry, dating from the turn of the twentieth century. Used during the Havdalah ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat, spice towers such as this were created to hold fragrant spices which were smelled as part of the ceremony symbolizing the transition from the sanctity of the Sabbath into the new week. This finely crafted example is raised upon a round domed stepped base that provides both stability and visual balance to the tall vertical composition. Rising from the base is a tapering stem decorated with delicate engraved bands that continue upward throughout the design, lending the piece a harmonious and elegant appearance. The central spice chamber is cylindrical in form and richly pierced with beautiful floral motifs, scrolling Victorian ornamentation, and elaborate C-scroll designs integrated into the rounded walls. The intricate openwork allows the fragrance of the spices to escape while simultaneously creating depth and lightness within the decorative surfaces. A small hinged door fitted with a diamond-shaped knob opens to allow the insertion of spices within the chamber. Framing the spice compartment above and below are elegant flattened disc forms that visually separate and emphasize the central section of the tower. Above, the upper turret rises in a tapering architectural form echoing the design of the lower stem, again adorned with finely engraved banded decoration. The tower is crowned with a rounded fluted dome surmounted by a waving flag finial, completing the composition with a distinctly traditional German spice tower silhouette. 2.26ozt weight
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.27 in (21 cm)Width: 2.09 in (5.3 cm)Depth: 2.09 in (5.3 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Silver,Embossed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1885-1910
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5281250070642

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