Vinaigrette box

William Pugh

1811 · Silver, agate · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The maker of this vinaigrette, William Pugh, was a prolific maker of small wares, including caddy spoons, snuff boxes and cutlery. The hinged lid of this unusual vinaigrette is set with polished agate; the base is engraved with a panel of basket-weaving. 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, here engraved with flowers and luxuriant foliage, 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

William Pugh

Date

1811

Medium

Silver, agate

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