18th-century French silver water pitcher and bowl

18th-century French silver water pitcher and bowl
This exquisite set was used on special occasions for netilat yadayim ritual hand-washing. The Empire style artistic design was very popular at that time. This set was owned by Zalkind Hourwitz, a Polish Jew who became a member of the French intellectual circle in the second half of the 18th century and who was very vocal about ideas and approaches concerning the religious, cultural and political character of French Jewry. At a certain stage he apparently also advised Napoleon on Jewish affairs, and managed to influence him in the formulation of the French Republic’s policy toward the Jews following the 1789 French Revolution and in the early 19th century.

Zalkind’s name is artistically engraved on the pitcher, beside the year (1795), which corresponds to the period during which he was a prominent member of the French Jewish community.

Description:

Gilded silver pitcher

Stamped with French hallmarks

With a gilded silver bowl of very high quality hammer work.

The hallmarks on the bowl are different from those on the pitcher, but are also from the 18th century (Empire). The engraved words of the netilat yadayim prayer encircle the bowl, making it all the more impressive.

This item is very special and rare, both with respect to the silver artistry and as one of the exemplary and magnificent symbols of French Jewish life in the 18th century, when Jews such as Zalkind participated fully in public and economic life in France during the period following the French Revolution and in the early 19th century.

Height: 32 cm, Diameter: 34.5 cm