Standing salt with cover

Date: 1584–85

Culture: British, London

Medium: Gilt silver

Dimensions: Height: 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Credit Line: Gift of Chester D. Tripp, 1952

Accession Number: 52.134a–e

Description

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.

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