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Late 19th c. Russian Silver Besamim Spice Tower Set of Two with Figural Base, Rare Antique Judaica
Late 19th c. Russian Silver Besamim Spice Tower Set of Two with Figural Base, Rare Antique Judaica
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$1,858.00 USD
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Judaica silver, which has existed for millennia, marries beauty and function, ritual and art. 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. We are pleased today to offer a selection of silver displaying the excellent craftsmanship of Russian silversmiths, as well as Jewish tradition.
This stunning pair of besamim towers with central figural motif, possibly depicting young King David with filigree base was made in Russia circa 1873.
They bear onyx and turquoise cabochon tops and finely worked details including the central figure and delicate filigree work.
The spice box (or besamim) in used during the Havdalah, a Jewish 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$2800 for the set .
Measurements: 8cm height, 10.5cm base width. Weight approx 117 grams.
Good antique condition, light overall wear commensurate with age. Damage to left closure. Slight hairline split, stable to figure’s chest. Still excellent for use and display.
This stunning pair of besamim towers with central figural motif, possibly depicting young King David with filigree base was made in Russia circa 1873.
They bear onyx and turquoise cabochon tops and finely worked details including the central figure and delicate filigree work.
The spice box (or besamim) in used during the Havdalah, a Jewish 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$2800 for the set .
Measurements: 8cm height, 10.5cm base width. Weight approx 117 grams.
Good antique condition, light overall wear commensurate with age. Damage to left closure. Slight hairline split, stable to figure’s chest. Still excellent for use and display.
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