Salt Cellar

Date1670-1685

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 2 3/8"; W (rim): 4 5/16"; W (base): 4 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1956-85

DescriptionSalt Cellar: Salt: broad flat rim of octagonal plan with rope-decorated edge and rather shallow circular receptacle in center for salt; rather tall and broad stem flaring to raised circular section with cast fleur-de-lis-like decoration in low relief on flat base of octagonal plan with rope-decorated edge.
Label TextThis salt stands at the end of a long tradition of ceremonial salts. These larger salts had provided strong focal points to the well-dressed dining tables and defined the social position of diners by their relative proximity to them. Silver table or master salts were often large and elaborate with scrolled brackets on their rims to support dishes with fruit and sweets to create glamorous centerpieces. By the turn of the eighteenth century, smaller and less formal individual salts had replaced these large and pretentious ones.

The mold for this salt was probably used during these same years to cast the central feet of salvers and the bases of candlesticks.

InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceVendor: Thomas D. & Constance R. Williams, Litchfield, Connecticut.

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