Pair Of Silver Salt Cellars And Their Spoons In The Rocaille Style, Late 19th Century

A charming and elegant pair of silver table salt cellars (or salt shakers) with an undulating shape, accompanied by their two matching spoons. These refined tableware pieces feature an exuberant and dynamic decoration typical of the Rocaille (Louis XV) style, reinterpreted in the late 19th century. The body of each salt cellar features remarkable chisel work:

• A continuous design of volutes, acanthus foliage, and ribbon-like scrolls in high relief.
• A rounded form resting elegantly on four small, gracefully curved feet, perfectly integrated into the motifs of the mount.
• Their original white glass inner cups are removable and beautifully follow the sinuous contours of the silver.

The two small salt scoops (spoons) included feature a matching leaf motif, perfectly complementing this display or table set.
The Rocaille Style and 19th-Century Tableware
During the Second Empire and the Third Republic, Parisian silversmiths became passionate about rediscovering the great French decorative styles of the 18th century. The Rocaille (or Louis XV) style then experienced a tremendous resurgence. Artisans moved away from straight lines to favor asymmetry, sinuous curves inspired by nature, and motifs of seashells or waves. During this period, the dining etiquette of the upper middle class evolved into a true art of presentation. Salt cellars were no longer merely utilitarian containers: arranged in pairs or sets of four around the centerpiece (the table centerpiece), they reflected the host’s refinement. The use of a removable glass liner inside the silver mount also served a technical purpose: to protect the precious metal from direct corrosion caused by sea salt.

• Period: Late 19th century (Napoleon III / Third Republic period).
• Condition: Very good overall condition. Original glass liners intact.
• Material: Silver (Mountings and spoons).
• Height: 3.5 cm.
• Width: 3.5 cm.
• Length of spoons: 6 cm.
• Net weight of silver (without glass): (Mounts: 23 g; Spoons: 9 g).