Besomim (spice) container
Galicia, Ukraine, c1800
Silver, pierced, chased; h 8.2 cm, w 4.5 cm

This is a special form of besomim container used in the Polish lands. Its small size and shape are said to make it convenient as a portable container for the Jew who traveled and was not at home for havdalah. The shape is known as the "pear form." The use of decorative animal motifs rendered by the piercing of the silver, especially that of the squirrel, point to Galicia as the area of origin.