Alms dish - Brass - 17th century - Grape carriers
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Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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A large 17th‑century brass alms or offertory dish from Germany, about 46.5 cm in diameter, richly decorated with a central high‑relief scene of the Spies of Canaan, and in good antique condition with signs of use and old repairs.
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Description from the seller
Large 17th-century brass alms bowl – Grape-carriers / Spies of Canaan – Ø 46.5 cm
Remarkably large and richly decorated brass alms or offering bowl from the 17th century, with a diameter of about 46.5 cm.
Central to the relief is the Biblical scene of the Spies of Canaan, traditionally identified as Joshua and Caleb, who together on a carrying pole bear an exceptionally large cluster of grapes. The scene refers to Numbers 13, in which the cluster from the valley of Eshkol symbolizes the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land.
Within Christian iconography, the grape also acquired a Eucharistic meaning through the association of wine with the blood of Christ.
The scene is beautifully executed in chased, punched, and engraved brass. The two figures wear characteristic historical clothing and are surrounded by stylized vegetation. The large grape cluster forms the focal point of the composition.
Noticeable is the very wide and richly worked rim, built from two concentric bands with repeated almond, leaf, and diamond-shaped relief motifs, edged with fine punchwork and small round bosses. This gives the bowl a particularly decorative and monumental character.
The reverse clearly shows the original manual metalworking. Behind the central grape cluster the individual driven grapes are visible. The chased border ornamentation also appears on the reverse.
The bowl shows a natural, centuries-old patina and signs of wear. On the rim and the back there are old repairs, solder traces, local deformations, and wear. These are clearly depicted in the photos and should be regarded as part of the condition.
Dating: 17th century
Origin: Southern Netherlands / Flanders, possibly Mechelen
Material: brass
Technique: chased, punched and engraved
Diameter: ca. 46.5 cm
Depiction: the Spies of Canaan / grape-carriers
Type: alms bowl / offering bowl / liturgical metalware
Condition: good antique condition given age, with signs of use, patina and old repairs as illustrated.
An imposing early brass bowl with a beloved Biblical scene, appealing both for its large size and its especially richly worked rim decoration.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
Large 17th-century brass alms bowl – Grape-carriers / Spies of Canaan – Ø 46.5 cm
Remarkably large and richly decorated brass alms or offering bowl from the 17th century, with a diameter of about 46.5 cm.
Central to the relief is the Biblical scene of the Spies of Canaan, traditionally identified as Joshua and Caleb, who together on a carrying pole bear an exceptionally large cluster of grapes. The scene refers to Numbers 13, in which the cluster from the valley of Eshkol symbolizes the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land.
Within Christian iconography, the grape also acquired a Eucharistic meaning through the association of wine with the blood of Christ.
The scene is beautifully executed in chased, punched, and engraved brass. The two figures wear characteristic historical clothing and are surrounded by stylized vegetation. The large grape cluster forms the focal point of the composition.
Noticeable is the very wide and richly worked rim, built from two concentric bands with repeated almond, leaf, and diamond-shaped relief motifs, edged with fine punchwork and small round bosses. This gives the bowl a particularly decorative and monumental character.
The reverse clearly shows the original manual metalworking. Behind the central grape cluster the individual driven grapes are visible. The chased border ornamentation also appears on the reverse.
The bowl shows a natural, centuries-old patina and signs of wear. On the rim and the back there are old repairs, solder traces, local deformations, and wear. These are clearly depicted in the photos and should be regarded as part of the condition.
Dating: 17th century
Origin: Southern Netherlands / Flanders, possibly Mechelen
Material: brass
Technique: chased, punched and engraved
Diameter: ca. 46.5 cm
Depiction: the Spies of Canaan / grape-carriers
Type: alms bowl / offering bowl / liturgical metalware
Condition: good antique condition given age, with signs of use, patina and old repairs as illustrated.
An imposing early brass bowl with a beloved Biblical scene, appealing both for its large size and its especially richly worked rim decoration.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Title additional information
Grape carriers
Material
Brass
Country of origin
Germany
Height
0 cm
Width
46.5 cm
Depth
0 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
17th century
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