Artist/Maker Johannes Reyniers (1659-1701)

Pin tray

1683

Place madeAmsterdam, Dutch Republic, Europe

Silver

Overall: 5 1/4 × 5/8 × 6 in., 2 oz (troy) 4.4 dwt (13.3 × 1.6 × 15.2 cm, 69 g)

Bequest of Catharine Augusta De Peyster

1911.48

Made to hold the straight pins that were essential to fastening a woman's dress in the seventeenth century, this tray is a type found in large, elaborate toilet sets used by aristocratic women beginning in the seventeenth century. It is unclear whether the tray once belonged to a set or was purchased as a stand-alone item. Made from extremely thin-gauge silver using basic techniques, the tray would not have represented a large investment of either silver or labor. Its design and construction, however, are careful and deliberate. The engraved initials link the tray to Catharina De Peyster (1665-before 1734) and the raised hearts suggest that it may have been purchased as a wedding gift for her 1683 marriage.

DescriptionWrought silver pin tray; shamrock shaped with four oval depressions around a raised oval in the center engraved, "C D P" in foliate script; between each oval is a raised heart; four cast scroll legs applied beneath the ovals; maker's marks stamped on the base.

MarkingsEngraved in the center: "C D P" in foliate bright-cut script; maker's mark "IR" in rectangle; the Dutch lion (crowned lion rampant); Amsterdam city mark (three crosses in a shield crowned); and date letter "W" for 1683 all struck on underside.

ClassificationsSILVER

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