Watch a video to find out.
Stay logged in
Go to Navigation Go to Content Go to Search
Search the collections
Fullscreen
David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock (00:00:52)
The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet (00:02:20) 10523 views
Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration (00:02:17) 16384 views
Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation (00:01:00) 3001 views
Standing salt
Pair of saltcellars
Set of four saltcellars
Bell-shaped salt
Apostle spoon
Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.
Exhibitions:
Events:
This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 512
Salt was a precious commodity in England during the sixteenth century, and its value was reflected by the elaborate gilt-silver containers that were made to hold it on the dining table. The so-called standing salt was placed prominently to the right of the host, indicating his or her social status.
Inscription: (under base) THOMAS*VARAM*GIFT*TO*THE*CITTIE*FOR*EVERMarking: [1] leopard's head crowned; [2] G (London date letter for 1584–85); [3] lion passant; [4] indistinct maker's mark, but probably I piercing G. Location of marks: (a) [1]-[4] stamped on base of 2 lion's masks; (b) traces of [2] and [4] at lower edge, before reinforcing rim was added; (c) faint traces of marks near bottom ring; (d) [1]-[4] stamped in bottom of well; (e) [1],[3] and [4] (and perhaps [2]) stamped on rim
J. Pierpont Morgan (until 1947; sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, November 1, 1947, no. 461; sold to E. & A. Silberman Galleries, Inc.); E. & A. Silberman Galleries, Inc. (from 1947) ; Chester D. Tripp (until 1952; to MMA)
Close
