Vinaigrette box 1795 - 1805

This vinaigrette box was made by Samuel Pemberton, an American silversmith, sometime between 1750 and 1850. It is a utilitarian object made precious through skilled handwork. The box is diminutive, made of solid silver, with engraved decoration. The details of its making are key to its appeal. Pemberton formed the box by hand, likely hammering the silver into shape, and then used specialized tools to create the intricate patterns on the surface. Note the precise, repeating motifs, a testament to his mastery. Vinaigrette boxes held sponges soaked in perfume or vinegar, and were popular accessories carried to mask unpleasant odors. But beyond its function, this box speaks to the broader social context of its time, reflecting the increasing availability of luxury goods and the rise of a consumer culture. Pemberton's craftsmanship elevated a practical item into an object of beauty. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft.