Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s greatest museum of art and design
Opening times
10.00 to 17.45 daily
10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
Objects in Jewish Worship
Spice tower, about 1500-1600. Museum no. M.40-1951
Spice tower, about 1500-1600. Museum no. M.40-1951
Spice tower
Italy
About 1500-1600
Copper gilt
Museum no. M.40-1951
The end of the Sabbath is marked by the 'Havdalah' (or 'separation') ceremony. Three blessings are said, over wine, a candle flame and spices.
The V&A acquired this spice tower in 1951. Before entering the museum, it had been turned into a reliquary (a container for a relic of a Christian saint) and a cross was added to the orb. There is still a relic inside the tower.
