DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6656#0021
IV.
A Nef in ivory.
Height Hi in. Length 9\ in. Breadth \{% in.
Nothing is known of the history of this beautiful Nef. From the correct drawing, and graceful
design, it has been attributed to a master of the 18th century. Another example, very similar in workmanship,
exists in the collection, marked with the monogram "m: Ross: Zail:" which is not to be found in any
dictionary of monograms. Upon the sides of the boat-shaped bowl, dolphins and sea-horses are carved in
relief. The stem is formed by a figure of Neptune with his foot upon the head of a dolphin. A sea-horse
surmounts the lid. Nefs were a favourite form for articles of table - decoration from the earliest times.
They served among many other purposes for holding a napkin, which was at one time a luxury and
distinction, accorded only to the guest of highest rank at the table. Our specimen was probably intended
to contain incense, or other perfume for burning. Similar ones were occasionally used in the service
of the mass.
A Nef in ivory.
Height Hi in. Length 9\ in. Breadth \{% in.
Nothing is known of the history of this beautiful Nef. From the correct drawing, and graceful
design, it has been attributed to a master of the 18th century. Another example, very similar in workmanship,
exists in the collection, marked with the monogram "m: Ross: Zail:" which is not to be found in any
dictionary of monograms. Upon the sides of the boat-shaped bowl, dolphins and sea-horses are carved in
relief. The stem is formed by a figure of Neptune with his foot upon the head of a dolphin. A sea-horse
surmounts the lid. Nefs were a favourite form for articles of table - decoration from the earliest times.
They served among many other purposes for holding a napkin, which was at one time a luxury and
distinction, accorded only to the guest of highest rank at the table. Our specimen was probably intended
to contain incense, or other perfume for burning. Similar ones were occasionally used in the service
of the mass.