17th century or before
Length 1 7/8"
Provenance: English Trade
Nutmeg was an expensive and much sought after spice, used among other things to season the fashionable drink of punch. This species of cowrie shell is found in the Galapagos Islands and along the west coast of South America.
Outside the wealthiest court circles, 17th-century silver was used primarily for drinking and eating. This rare nutmeg container reinforces the luxury and exoticism of the spice. A similar type of container can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
17th century or before
Length 1 7/8"
Provenance: English Trade
Nutmeg was an expensive and much sought after spice, used among other things to season the fashionable drink of punch. This species of cowrie shell is found in the Galapagos Islands and along the west coast of South America.
Outside the wealthiest court circles, 17th-century silver was used primarily for drinking and eating. This rare nutmeg container reinforces the luxury and exoticism of the spice. A similar type of container can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
