The wooden plate can be viewed in the treasury room of the Sint Servaas church. It is a fantastic piece of art and as the sign mentions it is a piece of devotion.
The text on the plaque next to the wooden plate reads:
"Sint Jan in Disco, 1400-1500, Duitsland (?)
Inventarisnummer SSS0746
Deze eikenhouten, gepolychromeerde Johannesschotel uit de eerste helft van de zestiende eeuw is een bijzonder kunstwerk. Binnen Nederland zeldzaam, vooral zeker van deze kwaliteit. Nog belangrijker dan het kunstwerk: het is een voorwerp van devotie. Het behoort tot de kerkschat van de Sint Servaas, al bevat het niet letterlijk een relikwie: het stelt het hoofd van Johannes de Doper voor, zoals het volgens de bijbeltekst op een schotel werd aangeboden aan de dochter van Koning Herodes. De Johanneschotel werd meegedragen in processies, en op de herdenking van de sterfdag (29 augustus) getoond aan het gelovige volk.
This oak, polychrome John's dish from the first half of the sixteenth century is a special work of art. Rare in the Netherlands, especially of this quality. But even more important than the work of art: it is an object of devotion. It belongs to the church treasury of Saint Servatius, although it does not literally contain a relic: it represents the head of John the Baptist, as it was presented on a platter to the daughter of King Herod, according to the Bible. The Saint John's dish was carried in processions and shown to the faithful people on the anniversary of his death (August 29th)."
Bible verse about the beheading (Mark 6:14-29)
"14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying,[a] “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled
; yet he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of[c] Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb."
The church is open 1000 to 1700 every day. Keep in mind that to enter the treasury there is a fee (11.50) (visit link)
The Sint Servaas church can be entered through the north side.