Pomander

Unknown

16th century · Silver 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, clove, amber, and schlag (short for schlagwasser, a mixture of brandy and flower petals).

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

German

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932