Nutmeg: Graters, Pomanders and Spice Boxes by John Reckless

Nutmeg: Graters, Pomanders and Spice Boxes by John Reckless

Once, 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 mid-19th century partial shift of production to the Caribbean, covering battles between the Honourable East India Company and the Dutch Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, this book traces the story of nutmeg, revealing its extensive and often surprising influence 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. This book gathers pictures of some of the finest examples world-wide, alongside mechanical and base metal graters and spice containers. It illustrates, and provides useful information on, the history of pomanders which were associated with nutmeg, as this spice was once thought to ward off pestilence and plague. Combining the social history of nutmeg with explanations of the spice production and transportation process, and illustrating in detail examples in international nutmeg grater collections and museums, this book is the essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers and auctioneers.

Nutmeg: Graters, Pomanders and Spice Boxes: Luxury and utility from the 16th century to the present day is mentioned on the Antiques Radio Show podcast, broadcast in Australia on Sydney 2RPH- Antiques Radio Show podcast

John Reckless has held a long-standing interest in antique kitchenalia. His fascination with nutmeg paraphernalia was spurred by the discovery of a cast iron mechanical grater about three decades ago. Collecting and researching nutmeg and graters has given Reckless the opportunity to delve deeper into areas of social and historical interest. 

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781788841450
ISBN 10	178884145X
Title	Nutmeg: Graters, Pomanders and Spice Boxes
Author	John Reckless
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	ACC Art Books
Year published	2022-06-07
Number of pages	312
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable