Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars

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