A spectacular collision of myth and function. This set of two tapering ceramic shakers is finished in a profound, deep jet-black. They are dramatically adorned with hand-applied 24k gold gilding, featuring authentic mythological scenes of Grecian figures, dancers, and bards (Apollo and Muse figures). The shakers are framed by intricate gold Greek key borders. One is a salt shaker (distinguished by the single dispensing hole and the 'P' on the bottom, presumably for pepper originally, which is a rare artifact misnomer), the other a pepper shaker. Their composition is confirmed by the back-stamp as authentic, hand-made Athenian porcelain in 24k Gold.
The Story: These shakers were not for a simple kitchen; they were for the formal banquets of a wealthy shipping tycoon in the mid-1970s. The set was part of a larger, custom service rumored to have been commissioned for a private dinner with Maria Callas. The tycoon, a lover of opera, chose the 'Apollo and Muses' design. During the dinner, when Callas praised the unique design of the table service, the tycoon subtly remarked, "The black porcelain, my dear, holds the pepper of life, and the gold holds the music." Give these as the ultimate hostess gift, or keep them for your own table as a glamorous, conversation-starting example of high vintage design.
A spectacular collision of myth and function. This set of two tapering ceramic shakers is finished in a profound, deep jet-black. They are dramatically adorned with hand-applied 24k gold gilding, featuring authentic mythological scenes of Grecian figures, dancers, and bards (Apollo and Muse figures). The shakers are framed by intricate gold Greek key borders. One is a salt shaker (distinguished by the single dispensing hole and the 'P' on the bottom, presumably for pepper originally, which is a rare artifact misnomer), the other a pepper shaker. Their composition is confirmed by the back-stamp as authentic, hand-made Athenian porcelain in 24k Gold.
The Story: These shakers were not for a simple kitchen; they were for the formal banquets of a wealthy shipping tycoon in the mid-1970s. The set was part of a larger, custom service rumored to have been commissioned for a private dinner with Maria Callas. The tycoon, a lover of opera, chose the 'Apollo and Muses' design. During the dinner, when Callas praised the unique design of the table service, the tycoon subtly remarked, "The black porcelain, my dear, holds the pepper of life, and the gold holds the music." Give these as the ultimate hostess gift, or keep them for your own table as a glamorous, conversation-starting example of high vintage design.
