This piece is an authentic Mid-Century Modern (c. 1948–1956) Patinated Cast Bronze Honey Dish / Lidded Bowl manufactured by the celebrated Israeli metalworks Pal-Bell Co. in Tel Aviv, Israel, and designed by co-founder Maurice Ascalon (1913–2003).
Traditionally cherished as a ceremonial vessel for the Jewish High Holidays, this piece features a domed lid relief-cast with the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Shivtei Yisrael) crests around its outer perimeter—making it a perfect, symbolic centerpiece for Rosh Hashanah tables where honey is served for a sweet new year. The interior of the bowl displays a hand-turned/lathe-spun surface finish ideal for holding honey or traditional preserves. The underside of the base is crisp-stamped in dual Hebrew and English: "PAL-BELL / פל-בל / תוצרת ישראל / MADE IN ISRAEL".
Origin: Tel Aviv, Israel
Maker / Designer: Pal-Bell Co. / Maurice Ascalon
Age / Circa: c. 1948–1956 (Mid-20th Century)
Material: Solid Cast Bronze & Turned Brass
Dimensions:
Height: 4" to top of handle
Diameter: 4.5" across rim
Condition Report: Very Good vintage condition. Retains its original, uncleaned verdigris chemical patina across the exterior of the lid and base, showing age-appropriate surface oxidation, minor handling wear, and minor verdigris buildup. The interior bowl retains its original dark patinated finish with a central patch of natural brass exposure/tarnish from prior use. The turned foot rim and lid handle retain their original lathe-turned burnished highlights. Includes the original paper inventory label on the base.
This piece meets all verified authenticity markers for mid-century Pal-Bell production:
Maker's Mark: The base features the crisp, cast-in relief double-line imprint in Hebrew (פָּל-בֶּל / תוצרת ישראל) and English (PAL-BELL / MADE IN ISRAEL).
Material & Surface Technique: Cast in heavy solid bronze rather than lightweight stamped brass or modern pot metal alloys. It exhibits Maurice Ascalon’s signature proprietary verdigris chemical patination process combined with lathe-turned highlighted edges.
Paper Label: Includes the original paper production tag on the underside showing Hebrew script and hand-inked inventory control numbers, consistent with 1950s factory distribution out of Tel Aviv.
Book Title: Modern Creations from an Ancient Land: Metal Craft and Design in the First Two Decades of Israel's Independence
Author: Nurith Kenaan-Kedar
Publisher / Year: Tel Aviv University / Yad Ben-Zvi Press, 2006
Page / Reference: Chapter 2 ("The Pal-Bell Enterprise and Maurice Ascalon"), detailing Pal-Bell's iconic Twelve Tribes motif relief castings, verdigris finishing techniques, and early Israeli decorative metalware.
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