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Articulated Fish Besamim Boxes
Articulated Fish Besamim Boxes

Articulated Fish Besamim Boxes

Artist/Maker
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 view
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