This spice box, made around the eighteenth century, is silver with an ivory inlay. The container is approximately twenty centimeters high. Its circular base is engraved with fish, flowers and foliage. From the base extends a solid cylinder, also with a floral motif. This cylinder leads to a bowl-shaped holder for spices. The bowl, the main part of this spice box, has a strip of ivory around it. On one side, there is a silver representation of the ten commandments. On the other side, written in Hebrew, is the word besameem, which means spices. The bowl is covered with engravings similar to those on the base. There are two small bells extending from the bowl, one on each side. At the top of the bowl are a flagpole and flag. The flag is attached to the pole with a hinge, so that it may be moved from side to side.
This spice box contains many images which are symbolic of Shabbat. Flowers and foliage, for example, represent the blossoming of the Torah (read during Shabbat). Fish, which is often eaten on Shabbat, is considered a lucky symbol in Judaism. Bells, while sometimes associated with Shabbat (many Torah dressings bear bells), are also used for other occasions. Many feel that the sound of bells is meant to be a reminder of God's presence.
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