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Salt Cellar

Professional Photography
Salt Cellar
Professional Photography
Professional Photography
Status
Not on view
Label Text

Prior to the invention of the salt shaker in the nineteenth century, the salt cellar allowed diners to season their meal as generously or as frugally as they desired. Small circular, oval, or boat-shaped vessels such as this one were set with accompanying spoons at or between individual place settings. George Washington likely purchased this example after the Revolution when trade resumed with England and new glass forms decorated with cutting became available to the American consumer.

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Date1790-1800
Geography Made - England
Medium/TechniqueGlass
DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 2 in. x 4 1/8 in. x 3 1/4 in. (5.08 cm x 10.49 cm x 8.26 cm)
Credit LinePurchase, 1957
Object numberW-2111
DescriptionColorless lead glass salt cellar; blown and cut boat-shaped bowl with dentated-rim and cut swags above cut splits on each side; circular, domed foot with pontil mark.
Published ReferencesCarol Borchert Cadou, The George Washington Collection: Fine and Decorative Arts at Mount Vernon (New York: Hudson Hills Press, 2006), 189.
Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.
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