A rare William and Mary silver mounted lignum vitae wassail bowl late 17th/early 18th century

the silver mounted lip above a turned and incised bowl, the squat stem on a conforming base

A very atmospheric object of bold proportions. The silver metal rim would benefit from a polish - the hallmarks to this band appear to be rubbed due to polishing. This band, which is lightly dented and mis-shapen has some age and was probably added sometime ago to cover a chipped or reduced edge. There are slight chips to the carved linear decoration totally consistent with age and use. The surface may have been repolished at some stage. The are very old age cracks to some areas - the piece is solid though and these do not detract and occurred a long time ago. A rare and charming piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The words 'waes-haile', 'was-haile' or wass-heil' have passed into our language as 'Wassail'. Wassailing is a term used to describe community drinking, usually associated with festive occassions. It is sometimes translated as 'be whole/be well'. Recipies vary according to local customs. Good ale, or in some cases, wine were the bases to which sugar, cloves and cardamons were added together with a small roasted apple for each drinker. Egg white was added to produce a froth giving rise to the name 'lamb's wool'.

There is an entry in Samuel Pepys diary on the 21st of November 1660 in which he writes, 'lay long in bed this morning my cozen Thomas Pepys, the turner, sent me a cupp of lignum vitae'. This reference is interesting for two reasons, through the fact that wood turners were working with this prized wood and that it was a worthy gift exchanged within fashionable society. This suggests that worth was attached and that this exported material would have been costly. Pepys certainly felt it worth mentioning it in his diary.