Spice boxes from Amager
A Danish "Amager" silver-gilt spice box. Maker Ditlev Petersen, Copenhagen 1787-1825. Weight 104 gr. H. 12 cm. Estimate: DKK 15,000-25,000.
A Danish "Amager" silver-gilt spice box. Maker Christopher Glerup Jacobsen, Copenhagen 1847-1880. Weight 118 gr. H. 11.5 cm. Estimate: DKK 15,000-25,000.
The Amager spice boxes are a local variant of the so-called “hovedvandsæg”, and they were made to order for the wealthy inhabitants of the island of Amager off Copenhagen. The "hovedvandsæg" were used by ladies – mainly when attending church, where the smell could be unbearable due to the tradition of burying the dead under the church floor. The “hovedvandsæg” served as small spice boxes, containing a sponge moistened with a strong-smelling liquid, such as ammonia. This allowed ladies to block out unpleasant odours and be revived by a single sniff.
Expensive gifts and status symbols
Just like the other “hovedvandsæg”, the Amager spice boxes were made of silver with a gold-plated interior to prevent the strong liquids from corroding the silver. What sets them apart from other “hovedvandsæg”, is their heart shape. They generally stand on a foot with two lions, and have a crown at the top, flanked by two savages or cherubs – and the Amager spice boxes up for auction are no exception.
The “hovedvandsæg” were a status symbol for ladies and were used as expensive gifts. With such an extravagant curiosity, young gentlemen could court their beloved in an appropriate manner.
The Amager Dutch
The Amager spice boxes were made for the island’s inhabitants by the goldsmiths of Copenhagen. The islanders were descendants of immigrants from the Netherlands who had occupied Amager in the 16th century at the behest of the Danish king, Christian II. His reason for giving these immigrants such favourable financial privileges and living conditions, far exceeding those of most Danish peasants at that time, is today unknown. But for centuries, the Dutch lived a secluded life on Amager, maintaining their native language, social structure, style of dress, customs and traditions. The enterprising descendants maintained their prosperity from the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, which they sold at the markets of Copenhagen.
Auction: 11 June 2 pm at Bredgade 33 in Copenhagen
Prreview: 4-9 June at the same address
View all the Amager spice boxes up for auction
View all items including in the auction
Read more about the auction and download the catalogues
For further information, please contact:
Alexa Bruun Rasmussen: +45 8818 1091 · alexa@bruun-rasmussen.dk
Line Lankjær: +45 8818 1166 · lla@bruun-rasmussen.dk
For further information, please contact:
Alexa Bruun Rasmussen: +45 8818 1091 · alexa@bruun-rasmussen.dk
Line Lankjær: +45 8818 1166 · lla@bruun-rasmussen.dk