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Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars
Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars
Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars
Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars
Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars

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Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars

  • An impressive set of six Continental silver salt cellars of fantastic quality and size
  • These triangular salts were inspired by Renaissance-era silver salts used in 16th-century Germany
  • Kneeling satyrs and grotesque masks distinguish the Mannerist style in which the salts are executed
  • Historically, salt was a luxury item, even taking the place of and being more valuable than gold
  • Get complete item description here
$28,850
Item No. 30-0005

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Description
This set of six 19th-century Continental silver gilt salt cellars take the triangular form of silver salts used by the affluent in Renaissance-era Germany. The salts are masterfully executed in a bold Mannerist style, distinguished by kneeling satyrs supporting grotesque masks at the corners of each. Their intricate forms not only reflect the talent of the silversmith, but of the precious status of salt, which was considered a luxury item and historically used as currency.. . .
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This set of six 19th-century Continental silver gilt salt cellars take the triangular form of silver salts used by the affluent in Renaissance-era Germany. The salts are masterfully executed in a bold Mannerist style, distinguished by kneeling satyrs supporting grotesque masks at the corners of each. Their intricate forms not only reflect the talent of the silversmith, but of the precious status of salt, which was considered a luxury item and historically used as currency. Similar triangular-form salts can be found in the collections of The British Museum (Reference number WB.144) and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The markings on these salts appear coincide with those used in the Lothige system of silver measurement common in Germany and surrounding areas. The "13" stamp would then indicate a .8125 silver content. 

19th Century

5 3/8" wide x 2 5/8" high
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Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Continental
Type: Cruets/Salts
Style: Elizabethan/Jacobean
Depth: 5.38 in. (13.65 cm)
Width: 5.38 in. (13.65 cm)
Height: 2.63 in. (6.67 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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