Pair of Dutch silver salts

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Pair of Dutch silver salts cellars

Maker’s mark a fish, unidentified

Middelburg, date letter A (1713)

158 grams; 8,5 cm high; 9,7 cm diameter base

This pair of diabolo-shaped, plain-waisted saltcellars is embossed with various species of flowers and foliage and a swirling stipple engraving. The circular shallow bowls are bordered in similar outline. The salts are placed on three ball feet below the protruding border. Both salts are engraved with a monogram MMIH (or HIWW). Fully marked below the foot rim, displaying assay stripes. Also struck with a duty mark of Zierikzee of 1795.

In the 17th century saltcellars used to be rather large and impressive. A single large salt would be placed in the centre of the dining table, containing the expensive commodity. However, as salt became less expensive during the 18^th century, saltcellars became smaller and consequently their number increased at the table.

Diabolo-shaped saltcellars embossed with floral motifs are typical for the second half of the 17th century. In Haarlem and Middelburg, for example, 18^th century silversmiths used to derive their designs for saltcellars from 17^th century examples.

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Provanance:

-Particuliere collectie, Nederland

Associate literature:

-J. De Bree, Zeeuws zilver, Schiedam, 1978