Beckenschlägerschüssel

As Beck bat bowl refers to a particular group of costs incurred in the German language brass basin from the late 15th to the 16th century.

For terminology and history

In the history of applied arts are understood as a basin almost exclusively circular, flat, labeled with offset rim and driven brass bowls for collecting liquids. They were made since the Middle Ages by specialized craftsmen, under the name Beck bats (of beat in terms of driving, even Beck- Beck hit or improvement, batteur French, Latin pelvifex ) often formed their own guild even corporations. As the looked the pool since 1266 demonstrable in Dinant brass craftsmen, we know at best from pictorial sources. Since the 14th century, the meaning of brass handicraft relocated to North West Germany, and we know only from documentary mentions of guilds and street names. Dinant was destroyed in 1466. Material obtained, and by their decoration style time determinable works date from the second half of the 15th century. Only these basins, as described in the following section are referred to as Beck bat bowls. Where they originated in Germany, is quite unclear. In Nuremberg, the main center of the southern German brass processing, arises only in 1493 a relevant profession. From the opinion that most of Beck bat bowls were created here, it is therefore strayed a long time. After 1600, the Beck Bat Crafts shrinks to insignificance in southern Germany, northern Germany it is dying out in the 18th century or rises in copper smithing.

Technology, form and decoration

It is generally assumed that the Beck racket already processed related brass in the form of sheet. Recurring motifs and stamping molds lead to the conclusion that was produced in series. Beck bat bowls have a diameter between 35 and 60 cm, have a wide margin ( " flag " ) and are, at least in most surviving copies, designed decorative with hallmark and friction work. Early, even into the 15th century belonging pieces are simply decorated with a central, radially symmetrical flower motif in free blowing work. In 1500, individual design elements with the help of dies, so negative forms in which the sheet is driven into formed. So also sequences of letters that often make no sense of the word originated. The most common motifs are means fish bladder rosettes and representations of Adam and Eve are rarer symbols of the Evangelists, the Lamb of God, Joshua and Caleb and the Annunciation. With the help of punches palmette -like ornamental wreaths were taken from the top, especially along the edges. The outer edge is usually stabilized in the 16th century with a set to a strong iron wire beading.

Function and use

Probably the most important and historically primary use of all medieval and early modern brass basin was catching water at hand washing. Hand washing sets, consisting of basin and pitcher, made ​​of silver, pewter, porcelain or earthenware were in use until the 18th century, but are pitchers who belonged to Beck bat bowls, not known. Nevertheless, have quite a few of these basins indicate a material used in combination with a pot, which is clearly of middle hump and annular stand areas. As almost even more important function the display of magnificently decorated, gold colored shiny vessels on credenzas and Schenk Schieven must be assumed. The rich decoration closes at the same time from an overly everyday use. As a barber and blood-letting pool ( as sometimes claimed ) they just were not practical with its wide margins. Many pelvic bat bowls have survived because they found a baptismal font in the church is not always original use as an insert tray and so survived the times. Only their rekindled appreciation by museums and collectors in the 19th century drew attention again to this group of products artistic craft, but also promoted the emergence of a myriad of fakes.