Pewter Purim dish, Germany, late 18th century. The outer rim has wriggle-work engraving stating “and of sending portions one to another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22). Interspersed between some of the words are depictions of foliage and flowers. Large decorative star in which the very center has three interlocking fish. This dish was used for the custom of sending gifts of food to friends or neighbors during Purim. In Central Europe, nuts and candied or dried fruit were the usual treats extended. The astrological symbol of the month of Adar, in which Purim falls out on, are fish, which is why that is featured in the center. 18th century pewter Purim dishes are much more scarce than 18th century pewter Passover trays for reasons than can only be theorized, such as: a Passover tray would be a family heirloom to be passed down the generations, as opposed to a Purim dish, which was received during the holiday by a friend or neighbor and at some point in time, simply discarded.
