Zoutlepel, schepvormig met gegraveerde steel en ovaal op de punt c. 1400 - 1950

This is a salt spoon, crafted from silver by Jan Pieter Barbier. Such a seemingly simple object offers us insight into the history of Dutch dining and social customs. Salt, once a precious commodity, was carefully measured and presented. Silverware like this was not merely functional but also symbolic, reflecting the wealth and status of its owner in a society marked by strict social hierarchies. The delicate engravings on the handle and the shape of the spoon's bowl, are a testament to the craftsman's skill, and the owner’s desire for refined elegance. Consider the institutional context in which this spoon might have been used, from private family dinners to formal banquets. Understanding its role requires careful consideration of the economic and social conditions of its time. Catalogues, inventories, and etiquette manuals would provide a glimpse into the cultural values attached to such objects.