Rare Large Offering Dish, 16th Century

Large offering dish made of repoussé and punched brass – Nuremberg, 16th century

A large basin made of repoussé and stamped brass, traditionally known as an “offering dish,” attributed to the Nuremberg workshops of the 16th century.

Large in size, with a diameter of 44 cm, it features a circular medallion in the center surrounded by a spectacular swirling rosette with broad, petal-shaped gadroons, worked in high relief.

The central design is surrounded by a wide band of stylized Gothic lettering, complemented by embossed ornamental motifs.

The wide rim is particularly decorative, adorned along its entire circumference with two regular rows of stamped motifs: small star-shaped rosettes and stylized foliage patterns.

The rim ends with a rolled edge, characteristic of this family of brass basins.

The reverse side, which retains a significant amount of its original brown patina, allows one to appreciate the repoussé work and the numerous traces left by long-term use.

On the reverse is an old engraved inscription reading “SOC,” followed by a small symbol or monogram. This inscription appears to be an old ownership or inventory mark rather than a workshop signature.

A small, old hole is present on the rim, likely related to a former hanging mechanism.

A beautiful piece of German brassware, with striking decoration that remains clearly visible despite the wear associated with its age.

Nuremberg, 16th century, likely the first half or mid-16th century.

Diameter: 44 cm.

Condition: generally good for its age. Wear on the decoration and the brass’s natural gilding, scratches, oxidation, and signs of age. Small hole in the rim. Significant antique patina on the reverse. The photographs are an integral part of the description