Silver Salt Cellar, Toledo, Spain, 16th Century

Also known as "catavinos", this type of drinking cups were used on special occasions (ceremonies ...), hence their material and the decoration they have, and were very common during the reign of the Habsburgs in Spain. Although they were objects of civil use, it was not strange that they were donated or ordered for their use in churches or in liturgical areas. Both the decoration and the shape of the cup show the origin of the same artistic core away from the main silversmith centers. Compare, for example, with the "bernegal" with handles in the form of cartons from the Museo del Prado in Madrid (catalog O00085) made in the late 16th century, which presents the upper part carved in concave double gallons and shows vegetable prints...

Catavinos or scrapie. Silver in its color. Spain, 16th Century. With contrast marks, illegible. Cup without foot or handles, in silver in its color and with a circular base, flar...

Portapaz. Silver in its color and gilded. Century XVI. Portapaz made of silver that has a handle (decorated with delicate plant motifs similar to those of the pilasters) and a female and a male bust at the bottom, as well as other architectural elements on the back, and, on the front, an architectural composition classicist basement (with busts flanking a flower and a cross), two pilasters (vegetal decoration and capital recalling the composite order) with entablature (flowers flanking an angel's head; moldings), and a semicircular arch finish with elements veined in relief under cross and flanked by two architectural motifs in the upper part. This composition frames and enhances a gilt silver relief where you can see the Lament or Cry over the Body of Christ, with the Virgin holding the head of Jesus, Saint John at her side, the Magdalene and other characters, a cross following the group and a landscape background with houses and plant elements. This architectural structure mentioned is similar to the one present in other 16th century portapaces, such as that of the Magdalena de Dos Hermanas parish (Hernando de Ballesteros el Mozo, around 1575); or that of the Galaroza parish (same author and date); or that of the portapaz of San Miguel de Jerez de los Caballeros (in some details); etc. As for the relief, it is possible to clearly see a strong Italian influence, and the similarity between it and important pieces such as the Portapaz known as “de Cisneros by Juan de Burgos (1493-1497; MuseoCatedralicio de Alcalá de Henares), as well as in paintings and reliefs. Also noteworthy are both the male and female busts in the lower area and the Maltese cross (or Saint John's) that appears in this area. This symbol was used since the 12th century as an insignia by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta...

With hallmarks. It is necessary to indicate the survival in this piece of some details from the Spanish Gothic silverware (cresting, which appears around the XV century; the endings ...

Typologically, it is a partial architectural grating with an ornamental and defensive purpose at the same time. Likewise, it clearly shows some of the striking decorative and typolog...

The relief was probably a door of the Sagrario. The piece follows a customary decoration in the tabernacles of the Renaissance and the Baroque. Compare, for example, with the sevente...

This set of six 19th century Continental silver gilt salt cellars take the triangular form of silver salts used by the affluent in Renaissance-era Germany. The salts are masterfully executed in a bold Mannerist style...

We are delighted to offer you this pair of Art Deco sterling silver salt cellars from the 1920s. Not only is it rare to find a pair of salt cellars but the Ruby red color and oval sh...

Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.

Early Arista / border tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575. Catalogue: La Azulejería Toledana a Través ...

Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.

Pair Continental silver cowry shell open salt Cellars George III, 18th Century. Figural hand chased shells to the feet. Unmarked. Additional information...