Articulated Fish Besamim Boxes

DateA) c. 1900, B and C) c. 1885

MediumSilver, glass (A), garnet (B), amethyst (c)

DimensionsOther ((a) Largest Fish): 3 1/2 x 3 x 16 in., 1 lb. (8.9 x 7.6 x 40.6 cm, 16 oz.)
Other ((b) Medium Fish): 4 1/2 x 3 x 9 in., 1 lb. (11.4 x 7.6 x 22.9 cm, 16 oz.)
Other ((c) Small Fish): 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 7 1/2 in., 0.5 lb. (8.9 x 6.4 x 19.1 cm, 8 oz.)

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.

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