Pepper Caster 1720 - 1730

This is a silver pepper caster made by William Jones in Britain, sometime in the early 18th century. Even something as quotidian as a pepper caster is tied to social history. Consider that pepper in this era was still a luxury item, a spice from faraway lands and one that was heavily taxed. This small, elegant object speaks volumes about the culture of consumption in the 1700s and the growth of British trade networks. An object like this would have sat on the tables of the well-to-do, subtly marking a social class and a level of global awareness. It is a statement of belonging to the elite. The historian can look to sources like trade records, tax laws, and household inventories to get a fuller picture of its function and meaning. This little piece of tableware is a reminder that the story of art can be found in everyday life.