Silver vinaigrette in the shape of a skull

Made:
1701-1800 in Europe
(A642133) Silver vinaigrette in the form of a skull, hinged Group shot of various memento mori Group shot of various memento mori Group shot of various memento mori

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

(A642133) Silver vinaigrette in the form of a skull, hinged
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Group shot of various memento mori
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Group shot of various memento mori
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Group shot of various memento mori
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Silver vinaigrette in the form of a skull, hinged, opens into two halves, with a perforated silver gilt inner lid, engraved with initials, unsigned, Europe, 1701-1800

Likes pomanders, vinaigrettes could be used as a vessel to hold strong smelling substances to be sniffed should the user be passing through a particularly smelly area. At a time when miasma theories of disease – the idea that disease was carried by foul air – were dominant, carrying a vinaigrette was considered a protective measure. Vapours from a vinegar-soaked sponge in the bottom were inhaled through the small holes in the top of the ‘acorn’. If a person felt faint they could also sniff their vinaigrette and the sharp vinegar smell might shock the body into action. The skull was probably hung from a piece of cord or necklace and carried at all times. It is shown here with another skull-shaped example (A641486).

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A642133
Materials:
silver and gold (plated), ? material
Measurements:
overall: 27 mm x 22 mm x 30 mm, 0.02kg
type:
vinaigrette
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust