Holy water stoup of the late 19th century-early 20th century

Blessing box, late 19th - early 20th century.
Wood, metal and porcelain.
Measurements: 10 x 8 cm (metal); 17 x 11 cm (wood).
Blessing box with a central enamelled porcelain plaque representing the Virgin in prayer, contained in an ebonised wooden structure dotted with porcelain hemispheres. This structure is in turn bordered by a sogueada metalised structure with a cross-shaped top. The basin of the benditera is made of porcelain.
Benditeras are utensils that contain a basin of holy water and are used to make the sign of the cross or to make the sign of the cross. They are a domestic version of the holy-water fonts found at the entrance to churches, evoking the water fountains traditionally found in the surroundings or inside religious and magical places. In popular domestic use, they are usually placed by the front door or in bedrooms and are used by their owners to make themselves holy when they go to bed or get up. They can be defined as small plates or slabs, usually oval, on which various motifs have been carved or moulded, and which are decorated overall. Their lower front part includes a shallow receptacle for holding holy water.