Vinaigrette

1811

Not on view

The maker of this vinaigrette, William Pugh, was a prolific maker of small wares, including caddy spoons, snuff boxes and cutlery. The hinged lid of this unusual vinaigrette is set with polished agate; the base is engraved with a panel of basket-weaving.

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, here engraved with flowers and luxuriant foliage, 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

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Vinaigrette
Maker: William Pugh
Date: 1811
Culture: British, Birmingham
Medium: Silver, agate
Dimensions: Length: 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver In Combination
Credit Line: Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983
Object Number: 1983.575.56
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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