An elegant Charles II turned lignum vitae wassail bowl and cover, circa 1660
REF: 4306
The shallow domed cover with concentric rings, centred by a lidded spice box and three baluster shaped finials to hold the dippers when not in use, the bowl with a low filet, on a short stem and spreading circular foot.
Provenance: H W Keil, Broadway, Worcestershire
Literature: For a comparable example see Owen Evan-Thomas, 'Domestic Utensils of Wood' (1992), p. 21, pl. 7A.
Wassail bowls were used for toasting, the name thought to be derived from the Anglo Saxon 'waes-hael' ('wass-heil' or 'was-haile') meaning 'good health', at Christmas time and also originally other important ceremonial and festive dates throughout the year. Lignum vitae became a popular choice for larger and more formal wassail bowls in the 17th century and it is suggested that they developed into something of a status symbol for well-off families. For an extensive discussion of wassail bowls see Edward H Pinto, 'Treen and other Wooden Bygones' (1969), pps. 48-52.
- Height 33 cm / 13 "
- Diameter 23 cm / 9 "
Category
, p. 21, pl. 7A.Wassail bowls were used for toasting, the name thought to be derived from the Anglo Saxon 'waes-hael' ('wass-heil' or 'was-haile') meaning 'good health', at Christmas time and also originally other important ceremonial and festive dates throughout the year. Lignum vitae became a popular choice for larger and more formal wassail bowls in the 17th century and it is suggested that they developed into something of a status symbol for well-off families. For an extensive discussion of wassail bowls see Edward H Pinto, 'Treen and other Wooden Bygones' (1969), pps. 48-52.){kind=link}