Besamim, height 36 cm, marked solid silver, Central or Eastern European workshop, approx. 1820. Lucian Dragomir Collection
Besamim, argint masiv marcat, Europa centrala, prima jumătate a sec. XX. Colecția Lucian Dragomir
Besamim, argint masiv marcat, Europa centrala, prima jumătate a sec. XX. Colecția Getta Neumann
The spice container (kupat besamim, Hebrew) is used in the Havdala ritual, a ceremony in which, on the Sabbath, on Saturday evening, four blessings are recited: on wine, on spices, on the candle flame and a blessing through which one is thankful to God that he made the distinction between the Sabbath and the working days. According to Jewish tradition, the pleasant smell of spices is a consolation for the loss of the special Sabbath spirit. The container, in the shape of a turret or filigree silver box, contains spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange peel or rosebuds. The shape of the tower was originally created sometime in the 16th century, but became popular throughout Europe in the 18th century and retained its shape, with a pedestal, a peak, and sometimes flags or bells. There are no specific requirements for the shape of the container, but the shape of the cathedrals or the desire to keep the spices, then rare and precious, in a beautiful vessel, may have inspired the craftsmen of these boxes.