Large Fish Serving Platter. Adaptation of Mirror Plaque. Dikhrin, Israel, 5th Century CE, The Israel Museum

Description

Glazed Ceramic

Size: 17.7" X 9.4" / 45 cm X 24 cm

This stunning large serving platter will be a new centerpiece for your table on the Sabbath, or any special occasion! Alternatively, you may wish to keep is on the mantel or behing glass as a purely decorative object. The white glazed ceramic is highlighted by blue and gold paint.

This piece was inspired by a fish-shaped mirror plaque against the evil eye from the 5th century CE found at Dikhrin, Israel. A large number of plaster, pottery, and stone plaques inlaid with glass or mirrors have emerged from archaeological digs in Israel. The plaques were designed to ward off evil forces by reflecting them in a mirror, and in so doing deflecting their harmful influence back upon themselves. They were usually placed in tombs as burial offerings, and are among the few known examples of folk art to have survived from this period. The plaque that served as an inspiration for this dish was shaped like a fish – a common motif from the 2nd or 3rd century CE, when it became a symbol of Early Christianity.

This item comes with a certificate of authenticity of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Enclosed is a short description of its historical background in English and Hebrew.

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