Flask

When this puzzling flask was acquired by the Jewish Museum in 1948 the six-pointed star was presumed to be Jewish. However, it may be Masonic. The flask was made by Belleek, Ireland’s renowned porcelain manufacturer. The company’s art director at the time, Robert Williams Armstrong, was a Freemason who designed dinnerware for Masonic lodges.

Other decorations are equally symbolic: at center is the Belleek emblem, which makes reference to the Celtic Revival. Below it is a garland in which the English rose, Scottish thistle, and Irish shamrock are entwined, denoting the union of Britain.