Saltcellar
Saltcellar
Russia, Moscow
Last quarter of the 19th century
Gustav Klingert gold and silverware factory
Silver; enamel over filigree, filigree, chasing, gilding
10 х 7.0 х 7.0 cm
Marks: "GK", emblem of Moscow, T-shaped mark and certification sign of Moscow district Department of the Soviet period
Saltcellar in the Russian style in the form of a peasant's wooden salt cellar - a chair with four legs, a tall toothed chair back and a lift-up lid – the seat. The edges of the chair back, lateral sides and the lid are decorated with bands of filigree rings with white enamel. In the centre of the chair back, the sides and the lid there are figured vignettes with stylised foliage pattern against chiselled background in navy, blue, white and red enamel over filigree. The saltcellar surface is covered with blue enamel with filigree curls.
Salt cellars played a special role in Russian household. On the one hand, they were an important part of the bread-and-salt hospitality ceremony, on the other hand, they marked places of honour at the table - the higher the social status of a person, the closer to the salt cellar they were entitled to seat. Salt cellars were often given as presents and were called "submissions". On coronation days the Emperor was always submitted a richly ornamented dish with a salt cellar. The salt cellar had an honoured place on a peasants' table, in the centre, and guests were welcomed by the words "Bread and salt to you".
Инв.849/ДПИ