Today in the Museum

Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by David Harris
	Bowls for salt and spoons 1748-1810 Silversmiths: Thomas Langford, John Wood, Robert Gray and Son, John Baxter, Hester Bateman Silver and engraved silver Bowls - H: 6 cm; W: 10 cm Spoons - L: 9.5 cm; 10.3 cm; 10.5 cm Gift of David Berg, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, In memory of his mother Ida Berg Accession number: B90.0495(a-h)
A set of four George II silver salts by Thomas Langeford and John Wood, London 1748 and 1756. This set of salts illustrates the continuing interest in the 18th century in the mysteries of Cathay and the East. The pure rococo scrollwork encloses the miniature scenes of Chinese pavilions with pendant bells, and with masks of Chinamen with tall, conical hats. This form of decoration was much used on tea caddies at this period. Each salt has a spoon made up as follows: a pair by Robery Gray and Son, Edinburgh 1810; one by John Baxter, London 1790 and one by Hester Bateman, London 1782. Publications: The Eighteenth Century English Dining Room, Israel Museum, Jerusalem Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir