Artwork Page for Seashell Salt with Shell and Crab Spoon

Details / Information for Seashell Salt with Shell and Crab Spoon

Seashell Salt with Shell and Crab Spoon

1884
made by

Gorham Manufacturing Company

(America, est. 1831)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
America, Rhode Island, Providence, 19th century
Medium
handwrought sterling silver, partially gilt
Measurements
Overall: 2.8 x 12.3 x 6.1 cm (1 1/8 x 4 13/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Trideca Society 2000.14.a
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This small salt dish and spoon reflect the late 19th-century interest in incorporating naturalistic details into the design of useful pieces-in this instance probably inspired by Japanese examples.
An elongated sterling silver vessel features a wavy rim and a hammered interior finished in warm gold. The shallow, handwrought body curves like a seashell, its reflective surface displaying soft ripples. On the exterior, a band of silver clusters textures the base. A small shell-shaped foot supports the vessel on our left, tilting the form slightly upward. The organic, fluid silhouette tapers toward the right end against a neutral gray background.

Seashell Salt with Shell and Crab Spoon

1884

Gorham Manufacturing Company

(America, est. 1831)
America, Rhode Island, Providence, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork