Rare Brass Baptismal Font, Nuremberg, 16th Century

Hammered brass baptismal basin, Southern Germany, almost certainly Nuremberg, dated to the 16th century (circa 1520–1550).

The basin is raised from a single sheet of brass, deeply repoussé and punched.
It features a rare non-figurative central design, composed of eight stylised floral or fruit motifs arranged around a concentric central medallion. This symbolic decoration, associated with fertility, rebirth and baptism, is considerably rarer than the commonly encountered biblical scenes.

The rim is decorated with a continuous border of floral punch marks characteristic of Nuremberg workshops.
The relatively small size indicates a functional liturgical use (chapel, secondary altar or monastic context), rather than a later decorative object.

Dimensions
– Diameter: 22.5 cm
– Height: 5 cm

Condition
Very good historic condition with original patina and wear consistent with age.