16th Century German Brass Dish

A large brass bowl from one of Europe’s centres of brass production, probably Nuremburg but equally perhaps Dinant or its environs around Flanders.

This fine example has an embossed centre with a Medusa’s head and as such was less likely to have been sent originally to Britain where these dishes were often used to collect alms during a church service. In Europe they were more often for secular use, in conjunction with a lavabo or ewer of water, essential at a good dining table before the fork became the custom during the 17^th century.

This example, dating from the 16th century, is made from a heavy gauge of brass, the main boss at the centre is large and deep, raised level with the wire enforced rim.

19.25 inches in diameter