Ewer and basin

This highly decorated ewer and basin does not bear a craftsman or maker‟s mark and it is therefore difficult to determine where and when it was made, though recent examination of the decoration suggests that the set was made in Nuremberg in the late 1500s. The scenes worked into the basin are taken from the Old Testament and include Rebecca and Elijah at the Well and The Sacrifice of Isaac. The ewer has a beautiful handle in the form of a twisting dragon. Such expensive and elaborate objects were made for ceremonial handwashing at important banquets and would be positioned prominently on the sideboard or buffet when not in use.