Antique 18thC German Pewter Judaica Shallow Bowl Georg Daniel Mayse Hebrew

Details

Description

This exceptional, museum-grade piece of early 18th-century European metalware is a shallow pewter bowl (or deep presentation charger). Forged during … Read more This exceptional, museum-grade piece of early 18th-century European metalware is a shallow pewter bowl (or deep presentation charger). Forged during the high Baroque period in Germany, this deep-profile dish features a beautifully unpolished, entirely authentic historical patina with an honest glow that highlights over two centuries of domestic utility. The reverse features three struck circular maker hallmarks reading GEORG DANIEL MAYSE surrounding an Angel of Justice motif, alongside zigzag-engraved 18th-century Hebrew ownership initials with Hebrew ownership initials ז׳ שׁ י כּ ("Zeh Shayeach..."—"This Belongs To..."), indicating it was a cherished piece of domestic utility or holiday ceremonial tableware within an 18th-century German-Jewish household. A highly collectible example of cross-cultural European Judaica and master-guild pewter.

Maker: Georg Daniel Mayse

Age: Circa 1710–1740 (Baroque Period)

Material: Fine Guild-Grade Pewter (Engelszinn)

Dimensions: 8.5" Diameter
Weight: 471 Grams

Authenticity Assessment
This piece passes all foundational authenticity markers for genuine 18th-century European pewter. The metal exhibits an expected grey tone with microscopic crystal migration and authentic "pinprick" oxidation spots typical of old low-lead alloys. The three hallmarks show clear historical die-wear patterns; they are struck individually rather than cast into a modern mold, displaying the classic displacement of metal along the edges of the strike. The Hebrew engraving is executed via traditional periodic wiggle-work/zig-zag engraving (Tremulierstich), perfectly matching the tool wear and tool speed expected of an 18th-century artisan rather than a modern electric dremel or acid-etching clone.

Design Significance & Aesthetic Appeal
This striking Baroque pewter vessel transcends utilitarian metalware, serving as an evocative decorative object for refined interiors. The deep, sculptural profile catches ambient room lighting with a muted, velvety glow that only centuries of honest oxidation can bestow. Celebrated for its restraint, the piece anchors open shelving, built-in styling, or minimalist table vignettes, offering a rich textural counterpoint to contemporary organic or traditional European interior spaces.

Curator's Note
A beautiful marriage of early 18th-century German guild craft and intimate domestic provenance. This deep pewter presentation charger by master Georg Daniel Mayse displays a phenomenal, untouched surface texture. The reverse hand-engraved Hebrew text lends an incredible narrative depth to the piece. An exceptional historical layer for an art library, dining room mantlepiece, or cabinet of curiosities. See less