Pepper Box

Saint-Cloud Porcelain Manufactory

about 1715–1730

Soft-paste porcelain with underglaze blue, glaze, and metal fitting, Soft-paste porcelain

J. Paul Getty Museum

The lidded pepper box has three compartments radiating from a central circular well. Each receptacle rests on a single claw foot. The well is fitted with a forked metal device meant to engage the lid when in place to facilitate the rotation of the top. The lid, of conforming shape with a cauliflower knob rising from a chrysanthemum base, has a circular flange under the center that fits into the well of the box securing it in place. The top can be rotated to simultaneously reveal the compartments and cover the spaces between, resulting in a harmonious composition when either open or closed. The cover and sides of the box are painted