Catch a whiff of the Spice Islands, the Caribbean and exquisite design in this detailed account of nutmeg in decorative antique graters, pomanders and spice containers and their luxury and utility from the 16th century to the present day. This is a substantial and beautifully illustrated guide to the history of nutmeg and its use. Once upon a time, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold. For much of human history, the tiny Banda Islands in Indonesia were the only source of this esteemed spice. From the age of the Silk Roads through to the end of the mid 19th century, partial shift of production to the Caribbean, covering battles between the Honourable East India Company and the Dutch Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, the book reveals the extensive and often surprising influence of nutmeg over conflict, politics, social mores and Western society. Beautiful antique silver, gold, enamel, bone, ivory, treen and Tunbridgeware graters and rasps demonstrate how much nutmeg was valued throughout history. Here are the finest examples worldwide alongside mechanical and base metal graters and spice containers, explanations of the spice production and transportation process and international collections in museums, making this an essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers, auctioneers and those who like the finer things in life. Enjoy gorgeous images like a 17th century nutmeg grater fashioned as a mandolin, the story of Florence Nightingale, puzzle boxes and snuff, posset cups and wassail bowls, urn, acorn and mace-styled graters, British and American naturalistic graters, graters of Exeter and Chester, Newcastle, Norwich, York, Sheffield Silver, and Ireland and Scotland, Italian nutmeg graters and more. A most beautiful Coffee Table Book. With maps, historical archive and gorgeous contemporary colour photos throughout. 312pp, 24 x 30cm.
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