Miniature wine taster or mustard dish

Art Historical Context

This exquisite miniature silver dish, marked by the maker C.S. and dating to the 17th century, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of British silversmiths during the Stuart era. Measuring just 13/16 × 2 15/16 inches (2.1 × 7.5 cm), it served as a wine taster or mustard dish—a versatile luxury item for the elite. In an age when poisoning fears gripped nobility and mustard was a prized condiment, such diminutive vessels allowed discreet tasting, blending practicality with opulence. Crafted from high-quality silver, the piece highlights the era's metalworking techniques, likely involving hammering, chasing, and polishing to achieve its gleaming finish and precise form. British silver from this period was renowned for its hallmarking system, ensuring purity and origin, which underscores the object's authenticity and status as a collectible. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1913, it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. Visitors to the Met will delight in this tiny treasure, a window into 17th-century domestic refinement where even the smallest utensils reflected wealth and artistry. Its survival speaks to the enduring appeal of English silverwork.