Portugal 1680-1720, Offering Dish, Solid Silver, Ceremonial Tableware

Very rare solid silver offering dish dating from the end of the seventeenth century. It is decorated with a series of cartouches showing various flowers in full bloom. In the middle is a religious scene surrounded by ribboned laurel leaves. The angel depicted in this cartouche holds a shield on which is painted a representation of the Paschal Lamb. These large, richly decorated offering dishes are typical of the production of Portuguese goldsmiths from the end of the seventeenth century. Sometimes they are hallmarked by a goldsmith from Porto or Lisbon, but most of them do not bear any hallmark. These large dishes are a classic example of ceremonial tableware, produced to impress guests rather than to serve at the table or in the liturgy. They are often presented on buffets covered with precious fabrics, set up for the occasion during large parties or receptions.