SILVER EWER AND BASIN FOR LEVITE HAND-WASHING Budapest, 1832.

The ewer, on rectangular base with angled corners, is smooth overall, with shaft rising from oval to support container with large oriform handle, broad mouth, reinforced lip. At front, within shield, the first words of Deuteronomy 33:8, which refers to the Levites, are embossed. Marked on base. (Tardy p. 59) H: 240mm. The oval basin, with raised rim, is smooth overall. The two wider sides, near top, bear embossed Hebrew continuation of Biblical verse; at one end, framed depiction of lyre; at other end, framed depiction of High Priest’s breastplate, labelled with Hebrew initials. Marked on base. W: 360mm.

A fine example of synagogue ceremonial art. The ewer and basin would be used by the Levites in the congregation to wash the hands of the Priests before the Priestly Blessing intoned on festivals. A comparable ensemble is in the collection of the Jewish Museum of Budapest, see Catalogue (1987) No. 54-55, p. 90.