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Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
These salt and pepper shakers were inspired by small figurines thought to represent native South American Aztec gods and goddesses, such as the one illustrated here. The newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased twelve sets of the shakers (one pair for each place setting) to add to an elaborate silver dinner service by Tiffany & Company that featured North American Indian figures on the handles of the silverware. Hearst also owned the large Tiffany & Company silver tray in this gallery, which replicates the famous ancient Aztec calendar stone.
MEDIUM Silver, turquoise
  • Place Manufactured: New York, United States
  • DATES ca. 1907
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS On bottom: [partially effaced] "TIFFANY & Co / MAKERS 0655 / STERLING SILVER / 925-1000 / m"
    SIGNATURE no signature
    INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
    ACCESSION NUMBER 88.22.2a-b
    CREDIT LINE H. Randolph Lever Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Shaker (a) and lid (b), silver, in form of Aztec deity, crouching and with headdress. "Crown" unscrews by threaded mechanism. Top of crown pierced with many holes. Below face is pendant set with turquoise stone; on rear of headdress is chain of turquoise stones. CONDITION: Some oxidation, especially on bottom; two turquoise stones missing from back. 06 13 1989, two missing stones purchased from Greenwood Gems. 10 West 49th St. and remounted by Kirk's Setting Co., 2 West 47 St. NYC.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
    CAPTION Tiffany & Company (American, founded 1853). Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair, ca. 1907. Silver, turquoise, 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 88.22.2a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 88.22.2a-b_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 88.22.2a-b_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Tiffany & Company (American, founded 1853). <em>Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair</em>, ca. 1907. Silver, turquoise, 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 88.22.2a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 88.22.2a-b_bw.jpg)