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Havdalah spice vessel with lid
Deborah Krupenia (American, born in 1953)
1998
Medium/Technique
Shakudo, gold, rokosho patination
Dimensions
H.: 3/4 in.; L. 4 in.; W. 3 in.
Credit Line
Anonymous gift
Accession Number2001.280a-b
CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas, Judaica
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionShallow, hammer-formed vessel made of shakudo, a combination of copper and 5% gold, is in an convex oval shape. Composed of two parts, it has been soldered along a horizontal axis; a gold ring forms the base. A circular lid with a slender cone-like finial seats in a small depression at center. The interior of the vessel has been plated with 24k gold.
Surface decoration on top and bottom of vessel consists of a field of dots made of 18k gold having varying quantities of base elements that yield subtle differences in color. These dots form a radiating pattern that emanate from the center and form two triangular sections. Proximity to the center determines size and color, for as the dots move outward, they become larger and lighter in color. The larger dots have been drilled in the center so as to allow the scent of spice to emerge from the vessel. The exterior has been etched and patinated in rokosho.
Surface decoration on top and bottom of vessel consists of a field of dots made of 18k gold having varying quantities of base elements that yield subtle differences in color. These dots form a radiating pattern that emanate from the center and form two triangular sections. Proximity to the center determines size and color, for as the dots move outward, they become larger and lighter in color. The larger dots have been drilled in the center so as to allow the scent of spice to emerge from the vessel. The exterior has been etched and patinated in rokosho.
Marks
The artist's monogram, "dk" conjoined and surrounded by a patterned border is stamped on an elliptical gold sheet that has been secured to finial beneath lid.
ProvenanceAcquired by the donor and made a gift
Copyright© Deborah Krupenia, 1998.