Pair of Late 19th c. Russian Silver Besamim Spice Towers, Rare Antique Judaica

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 pair of besamim towers with Star of David bases and was made in Russia circa 1894.
They bear coral cabochon tops and finely worked details including rabbinical figures carrying musical instruments, bearing the lidded spice vessel atop their heads.
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.
These are finely made pieces with highly worked details, particularly the Star of David as well as the features of the rabbis.
Maker’s marks for the workshop of Konstantin Iakovlevich Pets, and assay marks for Anatoly Apollonovich Artsybashev in 1894, St Petersburg.(1888-1898). From 1820-1860 Pets supplied fine samovars to the Russian Imperial Court; this piece, from his workshop, is a fine example of 19th century Russian silversmithing.

Marked 84, under the Pre-Revolution assay zolotnik system this would indicate a purity of 84 zloty, or .875 silver purity decimal standard.
Price AUD$2500 for the pair .
Measurements: 8.5cm height, 5.2cm base measurements length.
Very good antique condition, light wear commensurate with age.