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Spice container (besamim, fish form)
1800s6 in. (15.2 cm)
German or Austrian artist?
Germany or Austria
Object Type:
Metalwork
Medium and Support:
Silver, glass
Credit Line:
Maurice R. and Maxine B. Forman Fund
Accession Number:
2006.53
Location: Currently on view
The Memorial Art Gallery recently acquired several outstanding examples of Jewish ceremonial art from the collection of Central Synagogue, the oldest Jewish house of worship in continuous use in New York City. All seven objects were made in southern Germany, a region important for the production of silver as well as the original homeland for many of the early members of Central Synagogue’s congregation.
These beautifully crafted works of art represent a range of ritual objects used in Jewish religious practice. The importance of beautifying such objects is eloquently captured in the principle of hiddur mitzvah. This expression, which literally means to beautify a commandment, is biblically grounded in Moses’ words following the Israelites’ escape from Egypt: “This is my God, and I will glorify Him.” (Exodus 15:2).
The collection includes ritual objects related to the celebration of the Sabbath, the spiritual focus of Judaism: a pair of candlesticks, a Kiddush cup and two spice containers. These were once used in the home, as was the Hanukkiah, an oil lamp lit during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Also included is a Tas, a decorative and functional object that originally ornamented the Torah in a synagogue.
Like the tower form of 2006.56, the fish form is a popular shape for holding spice for the havdalah ceremony at the end of the Sabbath. The articulated body of the fish is flexible, allowing the scent of the spices within to be enjoyed.
[Adapted from gallery label text, 2006]
These beautifully crafted works of art represent a range of ritual objects used in Jewish religious practice. The importance of beautifying such objects is eloquently captured in the principle of hiddur mitzvah. This expression, which literally means to beautify a commandment, is biblically grounded in Moses’ words following the Israelites’ escape from Egypt: “This is my God, and I will glorify Him.” (Exodus 15:2).
The collection includes ritual objects related to the celebration of the Sabbath, the spiritual focus of Judaism: a pair of candlesticks, a Kiddush cup and two spice containers. These were once used in the home, as was the Hanukkiah, an oil lamp lit during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Also included is a Tas, a decorative and functional object that originally ornamented the Torah in a synagogue.
Like the tower form of 2006.56, the fish form is a popular shape for holding spice for the havdalah ceremony at the end of the Sabbath. The articulated body of the fish is flexible, allowing the scent of the spices within to be enjoyed.
[Adapted from gallery label text, 2006]
Marks
No marks.
Provenance
Central Synagogue, New York, NY, since 1965 or earlier; purchased from them by the Gallery in 2006
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