Ewer and basin

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This silver gilt ewer and matching baptismal basin are from St Giles Kirk in Edinburgh. They were made in London, probably by John Brode, in 1602-3. Additions were made to the ewer and basin in 1728.

The ewer has a vase-shaped body, a domed foot and an embossed, hinged cover. The rim of the basin and the band around the central boss are embossed with sea monsters and fruit clusters.

The oldest part of St Giles Cathedral, the nave, dates from around 1120. The cathedral's distinctive lantern or crown was raised around 1500.

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• Online ID: 000-100-082-389-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1972.113
• Date: 1602 - 1603
  1602 - 1603
  1602-3
  
• Material: Parcel-gilt silver. Inscription: IB above a rose; on central boss: [later inscription]
  Parcel-gilt silver. Inscription: IB [above] a rose
  Basin
  Ewer
  
• Dimensions: 255 mm H x 102 mm foot D
  63 mm H x 448 mm D
  
• What: Basin
  Ewer
  
• Subject: Precious metals : silver
  Precious metals : silver
  
• Who: John Brode, London (Silversmith)
  John Brode, London (Silversmith)
  
• Where: England, London
  England, London
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (St Giles Kirk)
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (St Giles Kirk)
  
• Event:
• Description: Circular basin of parcel-gilt silver, with a rim embossed with sea monsters and fruit, from the St Giles Kirk, Edinburgh: England, London, probably John Brode,1602 - 1603, with 1728 additions
  Ewer of parcel-gilt silver, with a vase-shaped body, a domed foot and a hinged cover, from the St Giles Kirk, Edinburgh: England, London, probably John Brode, 1602 - 1603, with 1728 additions
  
• References:
  • Burns, T. 'Old Scottish Communion Plate'. Edinburgh: R&R Clark, 1892 p 518-9 
• Translations:
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