Spice tower (Besamim)

ca. 1900

Not on view

The spice tower (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. Such spice containers exist in a variety of shapes and designs. The present tower form is the first example to enter to Met’s collection.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Spice tower (Besamim)
Date: ca. 1900
Culture: Russian
Medium: Silver
Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 11 15/16 × 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 in. (30.3 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm)
Classifications: Metalwork-Silver, Judaica
Credit Line: Gift of David T. Mininberg and Anne W. Mininberg, in memory of Frances H. Wikler, 2013
Object Number: 2013.242
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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