Spice Container (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This spice container is designed for use during the Jewish ceremony of Havdalah (separation). This ceremony marks the separation between the end of the holy day of Shabbat and the rest of the week.
- Spice containers can come in a variety of shapes. The artist created this one to look like the shape formed by cupped hands. Its shape makes it easy to hold.
- When a person holds this spice container, the heat from their hands warms the spices. This releases the scent of the spices into the air.
- This object is made up of many thin sheets of silver that together form a pod.
- Iris Tutnauer is a contemporary silversmith who makes Jewish ceremonial objects. She explores the combination of old and new elements in her work.
Learn More
Spice containers are an essential ritual object for the Jewish ceremony of Havdalah. During the ceremony there are blessings over wine, a braided candle, and spices. A spice container is passed around and smelled so that the sweetness of Shabbat might follow the participants throughout the week. Although Spice Container has never been used during a Havdalah ritual, it is still functional. Its design allows each metal leaf to be moved so spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves can be placed inside.
Iris Tutnauer is a contemporary silversmith who specializes in crafting Jewish ceremonial objects. In her work she combines modern styles with traditional Jewish ceremonial objects. She graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Art in 1990.
Tutnauer designed this spice container to look like the shape that is formed by cupped human hands. It fits perfectly in a person’s open palms. When someone is holding the spice container, the heat from their hands warms the spices and releases their aroma. In 2020 the NCMA commissioned the artist to create a full Havdalah set (a candle holder, wine cup, and plate) to accompany this spice container.
My work tends to be simple and direct. Living in Jerusalem, my place of birth, has had a strong influence on my work. I believe that Judaica serves as an element integrating all Jews, regardless of religious or geographical preference.
Iris Tutnauer
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read an article about the history of women artists in Yishuv.
- Read an article about women designers in Israel-Palestine.
- Visit Tutnauer’s website.
Resources for Students
- Watch a video about the ceremony of Havdalah.
- Read an article about Jewish spice containers.
Images
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Spice Container
A silver spice container that is cylindrical in shape and tapers at each end. The body of the container is made up of thin layers of hammered metal.
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Spice Container, Iris Tutnauer
A silver spice container that is cylindrical in shape and tapers at each end. The body of the container is made up of thin layers of hammered metal.