Diné Sterling Silver Three-piece Salt and Pepper Set [SOLD]

This three-piece set consists of a sterling silver salt cellar with a serving spoon, and a pepper shaker, all in the style of Navajo stamped silverwork.  The workmanship is extraordinary.  The salt bowl is oval and rests on four silver legs.  There is a raised rim around the opening.  Typical Diné silver stamped designs encircle the shoulder of the bowl.  The accompanying spoon has a single stamped diamond on the handle.  The pepper shaker is mushroom shaped, elevated on a fluted silver pedestal.

Boxes, ashtrays, tableware, and other items of silver are typically the work of the Diné silversmith.  Many smiths do not want to make such items but prefer to make items of wearable jewelry.  The geometrics of shapes for such items as this salt and pepper set are difficult to master.

The end of World War II ushered in a new period in Navajo silverwork—with change and innovation affecting the output.  Gearing products to the white market became the focus, with items such as hair ornaments, brooches, pendants, cufflinks, watch bands, key chains, and non-jewelry items such as boxes, trays, tableware, desk furnishings, bookends, candle snuffers, and other items of interest to non-Indians.

Condition: this Diné Sterling Silver Three-piece Salt and Pepper Set is in original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a client from Colorado

Reference: Bedinger, Margery. Indian Silver - Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers