Salt Cellar
1547-59 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This fine earthenware salt cellar is an elegant example of a rare ceramic ware known as Saint Porchaire or Henri Deux. Produced in the mid-sixteenth century for the French court, these wares feature detailed and elaborate decoration and were probably crafted for display rather than for use.
The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed.
During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics.
The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed.
During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Lead-glazed fine earthenware, stamped and inlaid with attached, moulded details |
| Brief description | Salt cellar, lead-glazed fine earthenware, French, Saint Porchaire or possibly Paris, ca. 1547-59 |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by George Salting, Esq. |
| Association | |
| Summary | This fine earthenware salt cellar is an elegant example of a rare ceramic ware known as Saint Porchaire or Henri Deux. Produced in the mid-sixteenth century for the French court, these wares feature detailed and elaborate decoration and were probably crafted for display rather than for use. The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed. During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.2303-1910 |
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| Record created | July 9, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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