Brass alms dish with the Spies of Canaan. 1st half 16th century.

A brass alms dish with the "Spies of Canaan" or the "Grape Carriers", a scene from the Old Testament depicting Joshua and Caleb - two of the twelve spies who were sent out by Moses - walking to the right while carrying a large bunch of grapes. The scene is surrounded by a border with scrollwork with small (cherub?) heads and crawling winged dragons.

Nürnberg. 1st half of the 16th century.

Dimensions: diameter 34.2 cm ; weight 900 grams.

Condition: The alms dish has a beautiful patina on both sides and has 3 small suspension holes in the edge.

References:
- "Nürnberger Beckenschlägerschüssel" by Klaus Tiedemann : p.49-50.
- "Messing, 15.-17. Jahrhundert" by Hermann P. Lockner : p. 65 & p.85 (abb.129).