Jewish spice rack or Besamin, with a distinctive tower design

Besamin Judaica Silver Spice Rack. A Jewish spice or Besamin rack, featuring a distinctive tower structure and elegant decoration with thin silver inlays, crafted in filigree, accented by a small hole where spices are placed, with small doors with a latch for access to the spice rack. 

The spice container rests on a engraved round base bearing traces of a German jeweler Weichhardt Rudolf, who operated in Berlin in the 19th century. It is in good condition with signs of wear consistent with late 19th-century dating, originating from a private residence in Milan. 

The architecture of this Besamin, in the form of a tower with a moving flag on top, is undoubtedly inspired by the functional connection between this spice vessel and reliquaries; Besamin is a ceremonial spice stand used for shaking during the Havdalah prayer, which concludes the Sabbath and holiday observances, separating the holy day from the weekday.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing community of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess unique character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century is associated with the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, heavily influenced by Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—features highly ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and luxury. Luxurious materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles the grandeur of the past. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using dark stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when searching for an elegant antique piece that suits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately important for buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching its description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.