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Articulated Fish Besamim Boxes
Artist/Maker
Unknown
DateA) c. 1900, B and C) c. 1885
MediumSilver, glass (A), garnet (B), amethyst (c)
DimensionsA: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
C: 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
B: 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
C: 3 1/4 × 16 in. (8.3 × 40.6 cm)
B: 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Eliza and Thomas Chrystie, National Museum of Wildlife Art
Terms
Object numberW2003.050
DescriptionSet of three silver articulated fish. Heads open on a hinge. Spice boxes, called besamim boxes, were used during the Havdalah a ceremony concluding the Jewish Sabbath, or Shabbat. Sweet smelling spices, like Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg were put inside and passed among those present to comfort their souls as Shabbat was ending. A) green (glass?) eyes. B) garnet (red) eyes. C) amethyst (purple) eyes.Status
Not on viewRobert Lougheed