Salt cellar 18th-19th century

This salt cellar, of unknown date and origin, presents itself as a humble object, yet it carries echoes of profound cultural significance. The very act of containing salt elevates this vessel beyond mere utility. Salt, a primal element, has been a symbol of preservation, purity, and covenant across civilizations. Consider the Last Supper, where salt's absence is as notable as bread and wine are present. In contrast, the Shinto purification rituals, where salt wards off evil spirits, highlight its protective power. This humble glass becomes a stage for our complex relationship with the sacred and the profane. The clear glass, devoid of color, further emphasizes the 'cleansing' effect of the salt it once held. It is through this elemental object that we see a reflection of our own history.