Vinaigrette box 1834

Nathaniel Mills's "Vinaigrette box" from 1834 is a fine example of silverwork. The box is decorated with an intricate, woven pattern and a stylized floral motif along the border. The small, rectangular box would have been used to hold a vinaigrette, a small container of perfumed salts or vinegar used to combat unpleasant smells. Mills, a prolific silversmith, created this piece for the American market in a style that was popular in the early 19th century. The box is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.