Antique Italian Basin Bowl, 1700s

Details

Description

18th century large Alms dish of gold shiny brass depicting Lamb of God metaphor.
In the center the Lamb of … Read more 18th century large Alms dish of gold shiny brass depicting Lamb of God metaphor.
In the center the Lamb of God set within a raised foliate boss and hatched band,
The raised centre, known as navel, of twisted gadroons bounded by a concentric band of Italian script " Una Mane Lava Laltra".
The full version is "Una mano lava l'altra e tutt'e due lavano il viso," (one hand washes the other and both wash the face). Reinforcing that helping each other leads to better results for everyone.
The deep sides of the dish gadrooned and the wide folded rim with wrigglework.
On the back we see a suspension eye
Condition: Very good, gold shiny and all decorative elements are clearly visible.
Minor deformation of the dish which isn't visible as it hang against a wall.
Diameter 58.5cm
Origin: Northern Europe, 18th century

Primary function of Alms dishes was to use for household at home.
The dishes were e.g. used washing hands, derve food or as decorative element.
Alms dishes are most commonly associated with Christian churches were it was used as offering dish to collect money for the poors. See less