A PAINTED AND INLAID OLIVE WOOD BESAMIM (SPICE BOX) AND SCROLL CONTAINER
Israel, early 20th century

Comprising a small besamim, of conical shape, resting on a stepped circular foot, rising to a domed and pierced lid with a screwed-in mechanism, the centre painted in black with an image of a brick wall with trees in the distance and domes to each side, possibly a reference to Rachel's Tomb, the third holiest site in Judaism, 14.8cm high; and a coloured wood-inlaid scroll container, possibly for a Megillah (Book of Esther) or Torah now absent, carved in the centre with images of Rachel's Tomb, 29cm long.

The spice box (or besamim) is used during the ritual of Havdalah, which marks the end of the Jewish Shabbat, in which a special candle and spice essence are used for blessing, and the spice smelling is perceived as enhancing the Jewish spirit after the pleasantry of the Shabbat before returning to the daily routine.