Vinaigrette box

Lea & Clark

1816 · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

A vinaigrette in the form of a satchel or wallet with a simulated fold-over flap bears the hallmark of William Lea & Co and the date letter for 1816. The firm focused on small novelty items. The exterior is engraved to resemble a sturdy material with illusionistic bands at the edges. The reserve on the lid, which could have been engraved with a name or initials, has been left blank. The hinged gilded grille is pierced with a floral and trellis motif. The interior retains the sponge which would have been dipped in aromatic vinegar. A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior Is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.

Artist

Lea & Clark

Date

1816

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

British, Birmingham

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983