Bleeding bowl, Europe, 1701-1900

Made:
1701-1900 in Europe
Bleeding bowl, silver. Black perspex background.

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Bleeding bowl, silver. Black perspex background.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bleeding bowl, silver

Bleeding bowls were used to collect blood during bloodletting – a practice once carried out to treat a wide range of diseases and medical conditions. This example is made from silver although they can be made from earthenware and other metals.

The initials “L A L” are engraved on the handle and may indicate a maker or the owner. Unlike some bleeding bowls there are no markings on the internal surface to help measure the amount of blood being removed.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600117
Materials:
silver
Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 152 mm x 105 mm, .16 kg
type:
bleeding bowl
credit:
Phillips