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Excellent Late 19th c. Russian Silver Besamim Spice Chest with Lion Finials , Rare Antique Judaica
Excellent Late 19th c. Russian Silver Besamim Spice Chest with Lion Finials , Rare Antique Judaica
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$2,778.00 USD
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Documented in the Old Testament, centuries of use not to mention the persecution faced by the Jewish people mean that historical Judaica silver as we now known it largely comes from the 17th to 19th century. In Europe, Jews were not normally allowed to be silversmiths or goldsmiths because they were excluded from membership in the guilds. Therefore many ceremonial objects in Judaica collections, though used by Jewish communities, were made by non-Jewish manufacturers or artisans on commission.
This stunning besamim spice chest is a larger statement piece, almost certainly made for a Jewish person or family of prominence circa 1873.
It bears a coral, onyx and two turquoise cabochons, as well as a prominent Star of David motif to the front of the box. Finely worked details including the almost coronet-like central finial as well as the delicately detailed filigree work to the top.
Some mingling of Russian and Austro-Hungarian influences, including the lion finials and embossed lion to the back of the chest.
The spice box (or besamim) in used during the Havdalah, a ritual that marks the end of the holy Sabbath, in which a special candle and spice essence are used for blessing, and the spice smelling is perceived as enhancing the Jewish spirit after the pleasantry of the Shabbat before returning to daily routine.
Maker’s marks for Ivan Alekseevich Alekseev, and assay marks for 1873, Viktor or Veniamin from the Savinsky assay-master family, who were both active in the same time period in St Petersburg; other reputable dealers have noted their pieces to likely have been assayed by Viktor Vasilyevich Sarinsky.
Price AUD$4000 for the box .
Measurements: 8.5 cm total height. 10 by 6.5 cm base measurements. Weight approx 137.5 grams.
Very good antique condition, light overall wear commensurate with age. Excellent for use and display.
This stunning besamim spice chest is a larger statement piece, almost certainly made for a Jewish person or family of prominence circa 1873.
It bears a coral, onyx and two turquoise cabochons, as well as a prominent Star of David motif to the front of the box. Finely worked details including the almost coronet-like central finial as well as the delicately detailed filigree work to the top.
Some mingling of Russian and Austro-Hungarian influences, including the lion finials and embossed lion to the back of the chest.
The spice box (or besamim) in used during the Havdalah, a ritual that marks the end of the holy Sabbath, in which a special candle and spice essence are used for blessing, and the spice smelling is perceived as enhancing the Jewish spirit after the pleasantry of the Shabbat before returning to daily routine.
Maker’s marks for Ivan Alekseevich Alekseev, and assay marks for 1873, Viktor or Veniamin from the Savinsky assay-master family, who were both active in the same time period in St Petersburg; other reputable dealers have noted their pieces to likely have been assayed by Viktor Vasilyevich Sarinsky.
Price AUD$4000 for the box .
Measurements: 8.5 cm total height. 10 by 6.5 cm base measurements. Weight approx 137.5 grams.
Very good antique condition, light overall wear commensurate with age. Excellent for use and display.
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