ember bowl
this is a silver ember bowl with two ivory handles. Before friction matches were invented, smokers lit their pipes and cigars with embers from the fireplace or stove. As a glowing ember is difficult to hold in tongs, to avoid dropping on the table, shallow bowls were designed to be passed (coolly) from one person to another or placed on the table without burning it. This devices were called "pipe lighter" or "smoker's brazier" and in Spanish "chofeta" and "brasero" (braserillo).The bowl stands on four Devil masks hoofed feet legs. It was made in Spain (probably Cordoba) in 19th century (silversmith CAS TRO)
The bowl measures 5 in. (cm. 13) plus 6 inches (cm. 15) for the handles and was bought by a U.K. dealer through internet.
most of informations regarding ember bowl were obtained from Robert L. Downing site. If you wish to learn more about ember bowls click on the photo