Silver gilt mounted rock crystal table salt

A silver gilt mounted rock crystal table salt.

German, 17th - 19th centuries.

Measures 21 x 8 x 8cm.

The rock crystal salt, it’s cover and champleve enamel decorated base appear to date to the 17th century. The stem decorated with dolphins and set with turquoise’s, pearls and garnets, as well as the enamelled blue and green flowers are a 19th century addition.

During the 19th century the interest in Medieval and Renaissance art was at its zenith with the likes of the extraordinarily wealthy Rothschild family, who’s collecting tastes were inspired by the great Renaissance banking family, the Medici’s drove a craze for enamelled, precious metal, hardstone jewels and objects. The demand for these objects was so great and along with the lack of available material many goldsmiths turned to the market of manufacture, objects were made both honestly as 19th century creations inspired by the Renaissance and dishonestly to deceive and to sate the demand of wealthy and elite collectors. The present example appears to be an elaborate confection, with its origins within the late Renaissance and enjoying either a fanciful repair or ‘improvement’ during the 19th century.