Browse

Accession #	88.22.2a-b
Maker	Tiffany & Company
Title	Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair
Date	ca. 1907
Medium	Silver, turquoise
Dimensions	2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm)
Marks	On bottom: [partially effaced] "TIFFANY & Co / MAKERS 0655 / STERLING SILVER / 925-1000 / m"
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 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.

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.