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Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair
Accession # 88.22.1a-b
Maker Tiffany & Company
Title Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair
Date ca. 1907
Medium Silver, turquoise
Dimensions 2 1/4 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/8 in. (5.7 x 4.8 x 2.9 cm)
Marks On bottom: "TIFFANY & Co / 13319 MAKERS 1 [effaced] / STERLING SILVER / 925-1000 / m / 9"
Inscriptions no inscriptions
Signed no signature
Credit Line H. Randolph Lever Fund
Location Visible Storage: Case 22, Shelf H (Silver)
Description Shaker (a) and lid (b), silver, in form of Aztec female deity in tunic with arms upraised. Head unscrews with bayonet mechanism. Top of head pierced with many small holes. Pendant braids on rear, each set with small turquoise stone. CONDITION: Some oxidation on b near juncture of a & b; two turquoise stones missing from necklace in front. Turquoise stone on back chipped. 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.

Curatorial Remarks: 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.