Unusual! Netilas Yadayim For Kohanim, 18th or 19th century
Antique shul relic! A large, uniquely styled and engraved pewter basin designated for the Kohanim to wash their hands in shul prior to reciting Birkas Kohanim.
The fixture consists of three parts: a cistern with spouts, lid, and basin. The lid is tall and shaped like a sloping roof, topped by two styled handles. The cistern is large, heavy and beautifully engraved. The front center features three arches and four decorative pillars topped by two outstretched hands that allude to the custom of a Kohein extending his hands while reciting the priestly blessing. The hands are flanked by two griffins, and above them is a crown surrounded by intricate floral decorations. Both sides of the vessel are engraved with vases with leaves and flowers.
Two cylinder spout fixtures extend from the bottom of the container, indicating that they may have once had faucet valves attached, and there are two hangers on the back of the cistern.
The basin is separate, wide and attractively structured, apparently intended to be wall-mounted beneath the cistern via suspension pipe-rings on both sides.
Condition: Good, with minor defects and corrosion on top. The handles on the lid are bent and one handle was repaired by soldering it back in place.
Size:
Lid: Height: 24 cm. Depth: 33 cm. Width: 13 cm.
Cistern: Height: 34 cm. Depth: 31 cm. Width: 12 cm.
Basin: Height: 25 cm. Depth: 44 cm. Width: 34 cm.
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitch Collection
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