452
A silver snail pomander, probably German 17th century, the head emerging from its shell,...
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2,000 GBP - 3,000 GBP
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Description
A silver snail pomander, probably German 17th century, the head emerging from its shell, one side pierced and opening to enclose an aromatic sponge, the other side with spiral detail, enclosing a gilt interior divided into four subdivisions for spices, engraved ‘Schlag’, ‘Canel’, Rosen’ and ‘Negel’, the two halves held together with a spring release fastener, beneath ropetwist-edged suspension ring, assay scrape mark to the interior, overall length 48mm. £2,000-£3,000
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The term ‘pomander’ derives from the French term ‘pomme d’ambre’ (apple of amber), the use of a small receptacle for containing scents originating in the Orient from ancient times.
In the Medieval period, it was common practice to wear pomanders in small containers, worn as jewels around the neck suspended from a chain, or attached to a belt or girdle. The strong scents were believed to have protective properties to ward off plaques and air borne diseases, hence the pomander had a dual purpose - as a scent emanator and an amulet against evils. Spices and perfumes such as cinnamon, musk, rosewater, cloves, laudanum and sandalwood might be used.
The spherical form was the most common shape for pomanders, with compartments similar to orange segments. A snail-shaped pomander is unusual, but the mollusk was used in German mannerist ornament by influential designers including Virgil Solis, one of 16th century Germany’s most prolific printmakers, engravers and book illustrators.
The use of the snail form for pomanders had its own symbolism: “the ability of the snail to withdraw into its protective shell at times of danger or hardship has resulted in its becoming the symbol of spring and resurrection”. (Launet)
Literature/Sources:
See engraving by Virgin Solis: Pitcher in the form of a snail, circa 1550; held at the V & A: Accession Number E.2872-1910.
Three similar snail pomanders are held at the V & A, catalogued as ‘scent cases’.
Accession Numbers: M.805-1926, M.806-1926 and M.128-1929.
A similar gold example is held at The Hunt Museum, Limerick: Accession Number MG087.
A further example can be found in the Schwarzkopft Collection:
See Launet, E: Perfume and Pomanders: Scent and Scent Bottles Through the Ages, pub. Potterton Books, 1999, page 22, illustration plate 66.
Condition Report
Gilding largely intact to both interior compartments.
Overall good condition commensurate with age and use.
Gross weight 26.9gm.
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The term ‘pomander’ derives from the French term ‘pomme d’ambre’ (apple of amber), the use of a small receptacle for containing scents originating in the Orient from ancient times.
In the Medieval period, it was common practice to wear pomanders in small containers, worn as jewels around the neck suspended from a chain, or attached to a belt or girdle. The strong scents were believed to have protective properties to ward off plaques and air borne diseases, hence the pomander had a dual purpose - as a scent emanator and an amulet against evils. Spices and perfumes such as cinnamon, musk, rosewater, cloves, laudanum and sandalwood might be used.
The spherical form was the most common shape for pomanders, with compartments similar to orange segments. A snail-shaped pomander is unusual, but the mollusk was used in German mannerist ornament by influential designers including Virgil Solis, one of 16th century Germany’s most prolific printmakers, engravers and book illustrators.
The use of the snail form for pomanders had its own symbolism: “the ability of the snail to withdraw into its protective shell at times of danger or hardship has resulted in its becoming the symbol of spring and resurrection”. (Launet)
Literature/Sources:
See engraving by Virgin Solis: Pitcher in the form of a snail, circa 1550; held at the V & A: Accession Number E.2872-1910.
Three similar snail pomanders are held at the V & A, catalogued as ‘scent cases’.
Accession Numbers: M.805-1926, M.806-1926 and M.128-1929.
A similar gold example is held at The Hunt Museum, Limerick: Accession Number MG087.
A further example can be found in the Schwarzkopft Collection:
See Launet, E: Perfume and Pomanders: Scent and Scent Bottles Through the Ages, pub. Potterton Books, 1999, page 22, illustration plate 66.
Condition Report
Gilding largely intact to both interior compartments.
Overall good condition commensurate with age and use.
Gross weight 26.9gm.
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A silver snail pomander, probably German 17th century, the head emerging from its shell, one side pierced and opening to enclose an aromatic sponge, the other side with spiral detail, enclosing a gilt interior divided into four subdivisions for spices, engraved ‘Schlag’, ‘Canel’, Rosen’ and ‘Negel’, the two halves held together with a spring release fastener, beneath ropetwist-edged suspension ring, assay scrape mark to the interior, overall length 48mm. £2,000-£3,000
---
The term ‘pomander’ derives from the French term ‘pomme d’ambre’ (apple of amber), the use of a small receptacle for containing scents originating in the Orient from ancient times.
In the Medieval period, it was common practice to wear pomanders in small containers, worn as jewels around the neck suspended from a chain, or attached to a belt or girdle. The strong scents were believed to have protective properties to ward off plaques and air borne diseases, hence the pomander had a dual purpose - as a scent emanator and an amulet against evils. Spices and perfumes such as cinnamon, musk, rosewater, cloves, laudanum and sandalwood might be used.
The spherical form was the most common shape for pomanders, with compartments similar to orange segments. A snail-shaped pomander is unusual, but the mollusk was used in German mannerist ornament by influential designers including Virgil Solis, one of 16th century Germany’s most prolific printmakers, engravers and book illustrators.
The use of the snail form for pomanders had its own symbolism: “the ability of the snail to withdraw into its protective shell at times of danger or hardship has resulted in its becoming the symbol of spring and resurrection”. (Launet)
Literature/Sources:
See engraving by Virgin Solis: Pitcher in the form of a snail, circa 1550; held at the V & A: Accession Number E.2872-1910.
Three similar snail pomanders are held at the V & A, catalogued as ‘scent cases’.
Accession Numbers: M.805-1926, M.806-1926 and M.128-1929.
A similar gold example is held at The Hunt Museum, Limerick: Accession Number MG087.
A further example can be found in the Schwarzkopft Collection:
See Launet, E: Perfume and Pomanders: Scent and Scent Bottles Through the Ages, pub. Potterton Books, 1999, page 22, illustration plate 66.
Condition Report
Gilding largely intact to both interior compartments.
Overall good condition commensurate with age and use.
Gross weight 26.9gm.
---
The term ‘pomander’ derives from the French term ‘pomme d’ambre’ (apple of amber), the use of a small receptacle for containing scents originating in the Orient from ancient times.
In the Medieval period, it was common practice to wear pomanders in small containers, worn as jewels around the neck suspended from a chain, or attached to a belt or girdle. The strong scents were believed to have protective properties to ward off plaques and air borne diseases, hence the pomander had a dual purpose - as a scent emanator and an amulet against evils. Spices and perfumes such as cinnamon, musk, rosewater, cloves, laudanum and sandalwood might be used.
The spherical form was the most common shape for pomanders, with compartments similar to orange segments. A snail-shaped pomander is unusual, but the mollusk was used in German mannerist ornament by influential designers including Virgil Solis, one of 16th century Germany’s most prolific printmakers, engravers and book illustrators.
The use of the snail form for pomanders had its own symbolism: “the ability of the snail to withdraw into its protective shell at times of danger or hardship has resulted in its becoming the symbol of spring and resurrection”. (Launet)
Literature/Sources:
See engraving by Virgin Solis: Pitcher in the form of a snail, circa 1550; held at the V & A: Accession Number E.2872-1910.
Three similar snail pomanders are held at the V & A, catalogued as ‘scent cases’.
Accession Numbers: M.805-1926, M.806-1926 and M.128-1929.
A similar gold example is held at The Hunt Museum, Limerick: Accession Number MG087.
A further example can be found in the Schwarzkopft Collection:
See Launet, E: Perfume and Pomanders: Scent and Scent Bottles Through the Ages, pub. Potterton Books, 1999, page 22, illustration plate 66.
Condition Report
Gilding largely intact to both interior compartments.
Overall good condition commensurate with age and use.
Gross weight 26.9gm.
Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu
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