Small pomander with six sections

Unknown

first half 17th century · Silver, parcel-gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Functional jewelry, pomanders were filled with strongly scented aromatics used to ward off disease and sanitize the air. Each remedy was enclosed in a hinged hollow segment with a sliding lid, held in place at the top by a screwcap with a loop for a chain or cord. The segments are labeled for their contents: cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, schlag (short for schlagwasser, a mixture of brandy and flower petals) and others.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half 17th century

Medium

Silver, parcel-gilt

Culture

possibly Dutch

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973