Salt thumbnail 1
Salt thumbnail 2
+2
images
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Salt

ca. 1530 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Italy (made)

The decoration of this exquisite salt cellar is inspired by architectural and ornamental motifs from the classical world. The bowl is supported by lion's feet. The decoration around the sides copies Greek and Roman sculptural friezes with fluidly modelled female figures dancing and playing musical instruments. The coat of arms applied to either side is not identified but was presumably that of an owner.

Object details

Categories
Metalwork
Tableware & Cutlery
Object type
Salt
Materials and techniques
Silver-gilt
Brief description
Italy, circa 1530. Silver, Continental
Physical description
Hexagonal body with hemispherical bowl on four lion's feet, cast body with figures dancing, applied crests and concentric circles inside the bowl.
Dimensions
  • Height: 5.00cm
  • Length: 8.20cm
  • Width: 8.00cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Two applied crests with pairs on hands on each
  • Unmarked, various assay scratches on base
Gallery label
(26/11/2002)
Silver Gallery:
This four-sided salt-cellar is supported by lion's feet. The decoration copies Greek and Roman sculptural friezes with female figures dancing and playing musical instruments.
Object history
Purchase - Bernal Collection, £51


An early example of the use of Renaissance ornament
Summary
The decoration of this exquisite salt cellar is inspired by architectural and ornamental motifs from the classical world. The bowl is supported by lion's feet. The decoration around the sides copies Greek and Roman sculptural friezes with fluidly modelled female figures dancing and playing musical instruments. The coat of arms applied to either side is not identified but was presumably that of an owner.
Bibliographic references
  • Italian Secular Silver, Charles Oman, V&A 1962
  • Ajmar-Wollheim, Marta and Dennis, Flora At Home in Renaissance Italy, London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2006, fig. 20.18, p. 307
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
2129-1855

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O91497/salt-unknown/
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