Austrian
Pair of Saltcellars, 1810-1824
Silver with gilding, 9.2 x 11.1 x 4.8 cm (3 5/8 x 4 3/8 x 1 7/8 in.)
This is a pair of identical sterling silver saltcellars each shaped like a boat. They are narrow, with pointed ends and high flaring sides. Each has gilded double- bowl interiors. At each end of the vessels there are handles that curve out and up and end with a loop at the lip of the vessel. In the center of each vessel is a ball and grooved attachment that rises out of the bowl, connected to a flat piece of silver which acts as a divider that splits the bowl into two separate sides. At the top of the ball in the center is a flower-shaped topper, surrounded by separate leaves hanging down over the ball. Each saltcellar has a baluster stem on a square- based foot. On the side of each base there is a stamp that is too faint to identify.
Dutch Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.