Vinaigrette
Thomas Shaw’s premises were in Caroline Street, Birmingham, the center of the silver manufacturing industry; he worked between 1818 and 1845.
The maker’s mark (T S) was used by three different silversmiths in Birmingham at the time, all of whom made snuff boxes and vinaigrettes: Thomas Smith, Thomas Shaw and Thomas Simpson.
This rectangular vinaigrette has reeded sides while the base and cover are decorated with basket-weave engine-turning. The name "E. Taylor" is engraved on the reserve of the cover. The hinged silver-gilt grille is pierced and engraved with foliate decoration. An attached ring allows the vinaigrette to be carried around the neck or to be suspended from a chatelaine worn around the waist.
A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior Is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell.
The maker’s mark (T S) was used by three different silversmiths in Birmingham at the time, all of whom made snuff boxes and vinaigrettes: Thomas Smith, Thomas Shaw and Thomas Simpson.
This rectangular vinaigrette has reeded sides while the base and cover are decorated with basket-weave engine-turning. The name "E. Taylor" is engraved on the reserve of the cover. The hinged silver-gilt grille is pierced and engraved with foliate decoration. An attached ring allows the vinaigrette to be carried around the neck or to be suspended from a chatelaine worn around the waist.
A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior Is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vinaigrette
- Maker: Thomas Shaw (British, active 1818–1845)
- Date: 1830
- Culture: British, Birmingham
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: Length: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Silver
- Credit Line: Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983
- Object Number: 1983.575.34
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Thomas Shaw
1823
Christopher Dresser
Hukin & Heath
1879
Christopher Dresser
Hukin & Heath
1879
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
John Hardman & Co.
ca. 1845–59
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
John Hardman & Co.
ca. 1845–59
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.