Brandewijnskom – Brandy Bowls for Birth Ceremonies

Brandewijnskom. Brandy bowls were made in Holland and Friesland in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were associated with childbirth ceremonies. The bowls were usually octagonal or oval, with two flat, cast handles. They are decorated either with an engraved or embossed ornament. The bowl was filled with grapes and brandy and circulated among the guests. They then helped themselves with a silver spoon.

Description and Design

The featured brandy bowl, housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is a prime example of such an artifact. Made from silver around 1663 in Sneek, a town in the Netherlands, this bowl showcases the meticulous engraving techniques of the time.

• Form: The bowl has a deep hexagonal shape, set on a cast hexagonal base. It features two flat handles that extend from the sides, making it practical for communal drinking.
• Engraving: The bowl’s body is adorned with scenes from the life of Christ, each encased in badges surrounded by intricate foliate designs. This religious iconography served a decorative purpose and reflected the strong Christian beliefs in Dutch society.

Sources

Campbell, G. (2006). The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts. Oxford University Press.

Victoria and Albert Museum. (n.d.). Brandy bowl (Accession No. M.92-1913). Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved from https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2006AL0093/

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