Italian Alabaster Holy Water Bowl - Ricordo di Roma - Madonna and Child

Decorative Italian alabaster holy water font with a medallion of the Madonna and Child.

This small religious object bears the inscription “Ricordo di Roma”, literally “Memory of Rome”. Such holy water fonts were sold in the first half of the 20th century to pilgrims and visitors to Rome and the Vatican as religious souvenirs.

The backplate is made of light Italian alabaster, a natural stone known for its soft translucency and subtle veining. In the center is a metal medallion depicting Mary with the Christ Child, framed by a decorative border.

Below the medallion is a small glass reservoir for holy water, as is customary with this type of wall-mounted holy water font. On the back is a ring for easily hanging the object on the wall.

A charming religious object from Italy that is both historically and decoratively interesting.

Specifications

• Type: Holy water font
• Origin: Italy (Rome souvenir)
• Material: Alabaster, glass, metal and brass
• Decoration: Madonna and Child
• Inscription: “Ricordo di Roma”
• Period: ca. 1920–1950
• Height: ca. 11.5 cm
• Mounting: hanging ring on the back
• Condition: good vintage condition with light patina and signs of use