3-015-828 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Basin, 1618. Before forks became widely used, basins and ewers were used in aristocratic settings to wash hands in rosewater between courses of a meal. This ornate basin must have been made for a special occasion and used rarely. At its center is a detachable circular boss, which could be easily replaced to accommodate a new owner’s coat of arms. Surrounding the boss are sea creatures and fruit, while the outer circle is decorated with oval reliefs illustrating stories from the Hebrew Bible.