Belgium

Salt Cellar

1625/75
Ivory
8.6 × 3.2 cm (3.4 × 1.3 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This elaborately decorated salt holder, crafted from precious materials, once graced the tables at lavish European banquets and, at the same time, served a useful function. Indeed, this work is a proper tribute to salt, a highly desirable commodity that made perishable food more palatable and was also a sign of great wealth.

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