A late 19th to early 20th century Eastern European brass double-handled Netilat Yadayim cup, displaying one of the most dramatic natural rainbow patinas we have ever seen on Judaica brass — vivid iridescent flashes of emerald, sapphire, amethyst, and gold dance across the surface under light, the unmistakable signature of a century-plus of gentle oxidation. Hand-raised from thick brass sheet with two sturdy riveted strap handles, this is the classic form required for proper ritual hand washing: water is poured three times over each hand without the fingers ever touching the vessel. The interior is dark and smooth from generations of use, while the exterior bears honest traces of its long life — areas of verdigris, minor dings, and authentic period solder repairs on the base that speak to its survival through Eastern European Jewish life before the Holocaust. Unsigned, as was typical for everyday shtetl pieces. A powerful piece of living Jewish history that still functions perfectly for the mitzvah today or stands as a museum-quality decorative object.

Age: Circa 1880–1920, with the depth and complexity of the patina strongly supporting late 19th century.

Origin: Almost certainly Poland, Galicia (Ukraine), or Russia — the heart of brass Judaica production for Ashkenazi communities during that era.

Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear; stable old repairs, no active leaks, all handles firmly attached. The patina is untouched and 100 % original.

Item dimensions: 5.25" tall × 7" across × 5.5" top diameter/4.25 bottom diameter

Weight of item: 1lb 11.5 oz