Vinaigrette
Engraved ER on the lid in script, this vinaigrette was made by John Shaw in Birmingham in 1807. Shaw was registered in 1803 and many small objects, including nutmeg graters and boxes, made by him are known until 1825. His workshop was on Caroline Street, in the center of the Birmingham silver manufacturing district.
The grill of this vinaigrette is extensively pierced with floral and foliate motifs. The decoration relates strongly to the grids of two other vinaigrettes in The Met collection, both made by Thomas Shaw in Birmingham in 1823 (1983.575.52) and 1830 (1983.575.34), and likely a relation of John Shaw.
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 grill 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. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.
The grill of this vinaigrette is extensively pierced with floral and foliate motifs. The decoration relates strongly to the grids of two other vinaigrettes in The Met collection, both made by Thomas Shaw in Birmingham in 1823 (1983.575.52) and 1830 (1983.575.34), and likely a relation of John Shaw.
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 grill 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. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vinaigrette
- Maker: John Shaw (British, active 1803–1825)
- Date: 1807
- Culture: British, Birmingham
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: Length: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 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: 1983.575.35
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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