Antique Opalescent Lustreware Celery Salt Cellars, Germany- Set of 5

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History:
Did you know? Celery was once a luxury vegetable that commanded its very own serving plate. Celery came from … Read more History:
Did you know? Celery was once a luxury vegetable that commanded its very own serving plate. Celery came from England and was a delicacy for the upper class because of its scarcity. The vegetable, once an herb and part of the parsley family, was difficult to grow and could only be cultivated in specific locations. In the Victorian era, and before refrigeration became common, celery was available only to those who could afford it. It was such a symbol of wealth that to impress guests stalks of celery became the floral centerpiece for the Victorian dinner table. Throughout the 1800s, beautiful vases specifically made for celery stalks, were produced with intricate designs in crystal and porcelain. Crisp celery stalks were dipped in salt and the aristocrats’ table settings included matching sets of individual salt cellars at each place setting. Celery vases were soon supplemented by its counterpart a long, narrow boat-shaped, low-profile dish. Once the celery in the centerpiece began to wilt it would be cooked and eaten. This long, bowl-style serving dish was more suitable for plating cooked celery. Porcelain celery dishes with matching sets of salt cellars became the new fad and mass produced to meet the needs. These dishes were often painted with lovely florals, had delicate embossed designs and often trimmed in gold." - From the Keene Sentinel

Today, we'd use these as salt cellars filled with fancy gray French sea salt on your dinner table, as a ring holder, or a very a chic way to set out everyone's morning supplements.

Sold as a set of 5.

Each measures: 4" L x 2.5" w

This charming set of 5 antique porcelain Celery Salt Cellars are beautiful in a pale opal lavender opalescent lustreware with a tiny black rim. The shape is so sweet. See less