DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6656#0031
IX.
Ewer of mother of pearl, mounted in silver gilt.
Height 12^ in. Circumference 8J§ in.
It is extremely to be regretted, that but few records have been preserved as to the makers' names,
dates, and other interesting particulars relative to the numerous objects, forming the department of the
collection from which the accompanying specimen is selected. With the exception of notices relating to
their material worth, and the like, scarcely any written documents concerning them are in existence; most
of the articles are without monogram or mark to aid in determining their origin and history. This beautiful
ewer, with a plateau or stand of similar workmanship and material, lias been among the treasures of the
Green Vaults since the year 1640, and may be attributed, with tolerable certainty, from the beauty of
the design and workmanship, to the best period of the silversmith's art. It was probably executed either
at Nuremberg or Augsburg. From the twelfth century onwards, a rich collection of plate, and of costly
vessels in gold, silver, and other materials was regarded as forming a necessary part of the splendour of
every court, and was to be found more or less in all households of distinction. At banquets these articles
were used to adorn the table, or were displayed upon buffets or moveable cupboards, generally placed
mar the host. Likewise, a number of these plateaus with ewers, filled with rosewater (at that time a
rare and highly prized perfume) were placed either in the room itself, or in an adjoining one, for the use
of the guests before sitting down to table, or for presentation to them, during, or at the close of the meal.
It is supposed that it was the custom to pour a small quantity of the scented water over the fingers,
a practice derived from the East, where it still prevails, and which found its way, by means of the
Crusaders, through the Byzantine Empire and the Russian Principalities to the rest of Europe.
Ewer of mother of pearl, mounted in silver gilt.
Height 12^ in. Circumference 8J§ in.
It is extremely to be regretted, that but few records have been preserved as to the makers' names,
dates, and other interesting particulars relative to the numerous objects, forming the department of the
collection from which the accompanying specimen is selected. With the exception of notices relating to
their material worth, and the like, scarcely any written documents concerning them are in existence; most
of the articles are without monogram or mark to aid in determining their origin and history. This beautiful
ewer, with a plateau or stand of similar workmanship and material, lias been among the treasures of the
Green Vaults since the year 1640, and may be attributed, with tolerable certainty, from the beauty of
the design and workmanship, to the best period of the silversmith's art. It was probably executed either
at Nuremberg or Augsburg. From the twelfth century onwards, a rich collection of plate, and of costly
vessels in gold, silver, and other materials was regarded as forming a necessary part of the splendour of
every court, and was to be found more or less in all households of distinction. At banquets these articles
were used to adorn the table, or were displayed upon buffets or moveable cupboards, generally placed
mar the host. Likewise, a number of these plateaus with ewers, filled with rosewater (at that time a
rare and highly prized perfume) were placed either in the room itself, or in an adjoining one, for the use
of the guests before sitting down to table, or for presentation to them, during, or at the close of the meal.
It is supposed that it was the custom to pour a small quantity of the scented water over the fingers,
a practice derived from the East, where it still prevails, and which found its way, by means of the
Crusaders, through the Byzantine Empire and the Russian Principalities to the rest of Europe.