Post-medieval Bronze hinged Holy water vessel






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A 17th‑century bronze hinged Holy Water vessel from the Low Countries, with a rounded body on a circular foot, a hinged carrying handle with suspension ring, and dimensions of about 112.6 mm high (excluding hinge), 190 mm high (including hinge) and 74.7 mm wide, in good condition with patina and minor wear, authentic and original, acquired in 2022 from a Dutch dealer.
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A large bronze holy water vessel from the Low Countries or Flanders.
The vessel with rounded form is standing on a circular foot and is fitted with a hinged carrying handle. The body has a bulbous profile with a narrowed neck, flared rim, and subtle horizontal moulded bands. The arched handle is attached to the vessel by side loops and terminates above in a suspension ring, allowing the vessel to be carried or hung when in use.
-> The elegant form and liturgical function suggest use as a holy water vessel, also known as a situla, used in Christian religious ceremonies for holding and sprinkling blessed water.
Condition:
Good condition with appealing patina, small dents and minor scratches. The vessel remains complete with its handle and suspension ring. One of the hinges shows an ancient repair. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
Height: ± 112,6 mm (without the hinge)
Height: ± 190 mm (including hinge)
Width: ± 74,7 mm
Certificate of Authenticity available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Holy water vessels were used in Christian liturgical practice to hold blessed water during blessings, processions, and ceremonial sprinkling. They were often carried together with an aspergillum, the instrument used to sprinkle the water.
-> Bronze examples of this type combine practical function with formal religious use. Their rounded body, footed base, and movable handle made them suitable for both display and ceremonial handling within church or devotional settings.
Seller's Story
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A large bronze holy water vessel from the Low Countries or Flanders.
The vessel with rounded form is standing on a circular foot and is fitted with a hinged carrying handle. The body has a bulbous profile with a narrowed neck, flared rim, and subtle horizontal moulded bands. The arched handle is attached to the vessel by side loops and terminates above in a suspension ring, allowing the vessel to be carried or hung when in use.
-> The elegant form and liturgical function suggest use as a holy water vessel, also known as a situla, used in Christian religious ceremonies for holding and sprinkling blessed water.
Condition:
Good condition with appealing patina, small dents and minor scratches. The vessel remains complete with its handle and suspension ring. One of the hinges shows an ancient repair. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
Height: ± 112,6 mm (without the hinge)
Height: ± 190 mm (including hinge)
Width: ± 74,7 mm
Certificate of Authenticity available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Holy water vessels were used in Christian liturgical practice to hold blessed water during blessings, processions, and ceremonial sprinkling. They were often carried together with an aspergillum, the instrument used to sprinkle the water.
-> Bronze examples of this type combine practical function with formal religious use. Their rounded body, footed base, and movable handle made them suitable for both display and ceremonial handling within church or devotional settings.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
