Italian, Venice
Spice Holder, early 19th century
Silver , 34.5 cm (13 9/16 in.)
This object is an upright silver filigree spice holder. The base consists of a simple round foot with an elaborately carved dome shape above it. Above the base is a slender stem with a spiral design winding up. At the top of the stem is a reverse dome shape, similar to the one below. A single row of vertical lines appears between the stem and the actual spice holder. The spice holder is a circular compartment with vertical panels of a beautiful filigree design. Another row of vertical lines appears between the top of the spice compartment and the dome-shaped top. A finial resembling a flowerpot with flowers and a handle adorns the spice holder at the very top.
Dutch Room
Commentary
This spice holder is a Jewish ceremonial object used during Havdalah, a service that marks the end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. Whole spices, like cloves and cinnamon sticks, would have been held in the body of this object, which was made in Venice in the early nineteenth century but based on an earlier type. Isabella Stewart Gardner most likely purchased it as a "Venetian reliquary." This object was also once thought to be a Torah finial.