Fish-form spice container (Besamim)

1813

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 551

In the Jewish tradition, beautifully crafted spice containers, full of fragrant scents such as cloves, cinnamon, or lavender, are used for the concluding ritual of the Sabbath. The spice container would be passed among the participants to inhale the aroma and animate the spirit. The spice container, known in Hebrew as Besamim, is part of the evening ritual along with a cup of wine and braided candle. This distinctive spice container is in the shape of a three-dimensional fish, whose hinged head lifts to reveal the Ten Commandments designated by Hebrew letters. While this fish form is typically found in the Jewish communities of Austria, Poland, Russia, and Germany, other spice container shapes include bell towers and blossoming flowers. The spice box is one of the most treasured items of domestic Judaica.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Fish-form spice container (Besamim)
Date: 1813
Culture: Austrian, Vienna
Medium: Silver, foil-backed glass
Dimensions: confirmed: 3 1/8 × 13 3/8 × 3 in., 15.872oz. (8 × 34 × 7.6 cm, 450g)
Classifications: Judaica, Metalwork-Silver
Credit Line: Purchase, Manda and Albert Kalimian Gift, in honor of Sabrina and Daniel Kalimian, 2024
Object Number: 2025.104
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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