Zoutvat, fragment c. 1590 - 1596

This is a fragment of a salt container made from pewter by an anonymous maker. Pewter is an alloy, mostly tin, that has been used for centuries to make domestic objects like this one. The metal would have been heated until molten, then cast in a mold. The seams visible on the object suggest it was made in two or more parts and then soldered together. Pewter is relatively soft, so it can be easily worked and decorated. Notice the simple, elegant form of the container, which would have been a common sight in homes. In its time, pewter was a relatively affordable material, and the production of objects like this would have been a widespread craft. This fragment offers a glimpse into the material culture of the past, reminding us that even everyday objects have a story to tell about labor, skill, and the social life of materials. Appreciating the artistry of the anonymous maker challenges our typical ideas about art.