16th Nov, 2019 10:00 GMT/BST
Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part II)
650
A Lignum Vitae Wassail Bowl and Cover, circa 1680, the ring turned cover with baluster finial, on a
For a similar example see National Trust Collections, Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire, accession no.MT453056.1
The Anglo-Saxon word "Waes-hael" meaning good health or cheers passed into English as "Wassail" and the term is associated with festive community drinking, often with connections to orchards, carol singing, ceremonial processions and blessing of fruit trees.
The recipe for wassail varied according to local custom and consists of ale, wine or cider heated with sugar and spices. Roasted small apples were added, at least one for each person, and egg whites were often stirred in to give a frothy appearance resulting in the drink being also known as "lamb's wool".
In the entry for 21st November 1660, Samuel Pepys records in his diary that he "lay long in bed this morning my cozen Thomas Pepys the turner sent me a cupp of lignum vitae" showing that a cup of this material was a prized possession worthy of being noted in his diary by Pepys.
. Section of base of baluster knop missing. Typical chips and minor flakes and short splits to upper rim of bowl. Shrinkage crack approximately 8cm long around base of bowl and another 9cm long to foot. Some typical minor surface wear, scratching and flakes. Knop possibly replaced. Quality is excellent and of good colour 041019
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Auction: Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part II), 16th Nov, 2019
Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part II)
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