Sacred Vessels

Ewer and Basin

Ewers and basins for the ritual washing of hands in the liturgy, from the Lavabo at Mass to the ceremonies of a bishop.

4 pieces

About this collection

About Ewer and Basin

The lavabo, the washing of the priest's hands, needs a ewer and basin that are practical and dignified. This collection offers lavabo sets in polished and lacquered brass, a silver-plated bishop's ewer and basin, an engraved set with angel medallions, and a larger bowl and pitcher set for the Washing of the Feet (Mandatum) on Holy Thursday.

There is also a standing holy water sprinkler that unscrews to fill.

What to check

Compare basin diameter and ewer height with your credence table and the server who will hold them. Some sets can be ordered in silver or gold finish on request. Listed prices currently run from about $139 to $1,355. Call or request a quote. Freight is billed separately. See also cruets and holy water buckets and sprinklers.

Ewer and Basin

In the Sacred Liturgy

A ewer is a jug for water, and the basin is the dish that receives the water as it is poured over the hands. Together they are used for the ritual washing of hands in the liturgy, an outward sign of the inner purity with which the priest approaches holy things.

At Mass the priest washes his fingers after the Offertory, praying words from the psalms: "I wash my hands in innocence." The rite is called the Lavabo, from the first word of that verse in Latin. A server pours water over the priest's fingers into a basin or dish. When a bishop celebrates, a larger ewer and basin are used, and he washes his hands at several points of the pontifical liturgy. A ewer and basin are also used on Holy Thursday at the washing of feet.

Ewers and basins are usually made of polished brass or silver-plate, often engraved and decorated, and made as a matching set.