A Large and Rare Lignum Vitae Wassail Bowl

An exceptionally large example of a traditional wassail vessel turned out of lignum vitae. Due to the immense size, it has been turned in three parts. The bowl, stem, and plinth are turned separately with wooden threads so that they screw together. The stem is hollow so that the mulled cider may flow through it and the three brass taps fitted into the turned collar. This is the largest wassail bowl we’ve ever seen and the only one we know of with taps. Wassail bowls were an important part of the centuries-old tradition of wassailing in England. Wassailing was a community celebration involving singing and the consumption of a mulled cider (wassail). Taking place in the winter, it was intended to be a celebration of the past year's harvest and a promotion of a successful harvest for the upcoming season. Wassailing is believed to be the precursor to today's tradition of Christmas caroling.

• Circa 1680
• Origin English
• Stock# 8/8080
• Diameter 15.5"
• Height 19.75"