Salt and Pepper Shakers

Datelate 20th century

MediumMold-formed stoneware, with a brown, peach, and blue glaze, paper, and plastic

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including handle x depth of each shaker): 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2in. (11.4 x 6.4 x 3.8cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund

Object number2002.121.4a-b

DescriptionTwo small, stoneware salt and pepper shakers, with brown, peach, and blue glaze, imitating the form of miniature beer steins. The shakers were each formed in a mold to be one piece. On one side of the each shaker, a raised decoration of scrolls, flowers, and leaves is covered in a translucent brown glaze. The raised decoration surrounds a circle of unglazed white dots, which surround a round, paper label that is adhered to the shaker. The paper label shows the words "GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK/ HADLYME, CONN" above a picture of a stone castle that is framed by trees. On the opposite side of each shaker, also covered in a translucent brown glaze, the raised decoration is in the form of a stone castle surrounded by trees, with a triangular patch of dark blue sky above. On one shaker (.a), the paper label appears to the left of the handle, while on the other shaker (.b), the label appears to the right of the handle. The foot below the raised motifs and the false rim of the shaker and rim of the lid are covered in a translucent peach glaze. The handle and lid of the shakers are covered in the translucent brown glaze, over abstract raised floral designs. The lid of one shaker (.a) has three holes, while the lid of the second shaker (.b) has two holes. There is a small circular hole in the bottom of each shaker that is covered with a plastic plug. Each shaker also has light crazing over most of the glazed surfaces.

NotesSubject Note: Gillette Castle was built between 1915 and 1919. The twenty-four room mansion, reminiscent of a medieval castle, was designed and lived in by William Gillette (1853-1927), an actor, director, and playwright, best-known for his role as Sherlock Holmes. The estate was purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 and is still open to the public. (Hunt 9/17/2004)

Status

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