Standing Salt
1624 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Ceremonial standing salt cellars were important pieces of dining silver throughout northern Europe from the 15th to the 17th centuries, a reflection of the precious status of salt, a natural taste enhancer and preservative. The placement on the table of the salt cellar (often referred to simply as a 'salt') marked the place of the host or the high status of an important guest. This example is decorated with bells, a gilt military figure and engraved ornament. The three holes on the upper surface suggest that some further decorative features have been lost.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, parcel-gilt, chased and engraved |
| Brief description | Dutch. Mark of Franccoys Eelioet. Utrecht mark for 1624; Silver, Continental |
| Physical description | Triangular salt with circular bowl supported on a platform by 3 winged figures standing on spheres all on a chased and engraved triangular base. Triumphant gilt military figure in centre. Three hanging bells. With top part missing. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | On underside of base in centre: maker's mark a set of antlers, probably for Fransoys Elioet (1607-1642); town mark of Utrecht for 1624, date letter G for 1624 or 1646. |
| Gallery label | Silver Gallery:
Ceremonial standing salt cellars were an important form throughout northern Europe from the 15th to 17th centuries. They were intended as a mark of status for the host or most important guest at the table. This example has lost three bracket elements from the upper corners.(26/11/2002) |
| Credit line | Given by J. H. Fitzhenry |
| Object history | Fitzhenry Gift |
| Production | probably 1624; Fransoys Eeioet or Frederick Elioet |
| Summary | Ceremonial standing salt cellars were important pieces of dining silver throughout northern Europe from the 15th to the 17th centuries, a reflection of the precious status of salt, a natural taste enhancer and preservative. The placement on the table of the salt cellar (often referred to simply as a 'salt') marked the place of the host or the high status of an important guest. This example is decorated with bells, a gilt military figure and engraved ornament. The three holes on the upper surface suggest that some further decorative features have been lost. |
| Bibliographic reference | The Golden Age of Dutch Silver, Charles Oman, V&A 1953; Bulletin unn net Rijksmuseum, Jaargang 37, 1989, nummer 2, P.57, pl. 5. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.81-1914 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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