A Meissen Trencher Salt, circa 1745
This Meissen trencher salt is modelled on a Baroque silver form, with a band of Altozier-moulding on the waved sides, beneath a brown-edged rim. The moulded exterior and oval interior are finely painted with scattered sprigs and sprays of European flowers.
During the 18th century, salt was a heavily taxed luxury; consequently, the use of ornamental salt cellars on the dining table served as a distinct demonstration of wealth and status.
Crossed swords mark in underglaze blue.
Dimensions: Length (at base) 10.6 cm; Width (at base) 7.6 cm; Height 4 cm.
Condition: There is a small flat chip and one or two minute nicks to the edge of the base. No other damage and no restoration. There is some light wear to parts of the brown enamel rim, although the flower painting is in good order. From manufacture, there are tiny clay tears beneath the base; these occurred when the clay was drying, prior to the first firing. A manufacturing blemish to the upper rim was disguised by the artist with a green leaf.
18th-Century German Porcelain, George Savage (Rockliff, 1958).
Price: £225.