Vintage Maybe an older small mother-of-pearl and pewter caviar dish. This lovely little dish may have been part of a bigger set used for serving/or maybe tasting caviar displayed with a larger caviar dish (for sale separately; may sell together; please contact us for pricing, etc.). some age-related wear
5 cm tall
7 cm wide
4 cm depth (dish)
 
Caviar's history began in ancient Persia, where the roe of sturgeon was valued for its medicinal properties and associated with strength, eventually giving the delicacy its name, "khav-yar". The Greek philosopher Aristotle also described it, marking its early recognition. Caviar became a symbol of luxury in Russia and Iran, but as populations declined due to overfishing, global efforts turned to conservation and the rise of aquaculture to sustain this prized delicacy.
Ancient Beginnings
Persian origins: Around 380 BCE, ancient Persians were the first to prepare sturgeon roe. They believed it had medicinal properties and associated it with strength and vitality.
Etymology: The word "caviar" is believed to derive from the Persian word khav-yar, meaning "cake of power" or "cake of strength".
Aristotle's account:The Greek philosopher Aristotle documented sturgeon roe in the 4th century BCE, further establishing its early presence in ancient societies.
Middle Ages and Beyond
Russian luxury: By the 10th century, caviar reached Greek aristocrats through trade with the Byzantine Empire. It was a common part of the diet in mediaeval Russia, though it was sometimes eaten hot with onions and pepper.
Symbol of royalty: In 16th-century Europe, it was recognised as a luxury. In England, sturgeon was even considered a "royal fish" and was reserved for the king and the elite.
The Rise of a Global Delicacy
Russian and Iranian dominance: For a long time, the Caspian Sea and the Volga River regions in Russia and Iran were the primary centres for caviar production.
A free snack in America: In the 19th century United States, caviar was so abundant that bars offered it as a complimentary snack to encourage beer sales due to its saltiness.
Decline and conservation: By the late 20th century, overfishing and pollution led to a drastic decline in sturgeon populations. This prompted international regulations, such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), to control the trade of caviar.
The Modern Era and the Future
Aquaculture: To address the scarcity of wild sturgeon, fish farms were established in countries like China, Italy, France, and the U.S.
Sustainability: Most legal caviar now comes from farmed sturgeon, providing a sustainable alternative to wild-caught varieties.
Continued prestige: Despite challenges, caviar remains a symbol of luxury and is featured in fine dining and at exclusive events globally.
 
 
Mother of pearl, scientifically known as nacre, is the iridescent, pearly material that lines the inside of certain mollusc shells, such as oysters and abalone. It is formed as a protective coating by the mollusc's mantle in response to irritants and is composed of the same material as pearls—aragonite and conchiolin. This lustrous material is used in jewellery, ornaments, and home decor for its beautiful, rainbow-like sheen.
What it is:
Nacre, or mother of pearl, is a composite material of aragonite and a protein called conchiolin, which gives it its strength and iridescent qualities.
Inner Shell Lining: It forms the shimmering inner layer of mollusc shells.
How it forms:
Defence Mechanism: Molluscs secrete nacre to protect their soft bodies from irritants like debris or parasites, creating a smooth, protective coating.
Pearl Formation: The same nacreous layers that form the mother-of-pearl also coat foreign objects, eventually forming a pearl.
Uses:
Jewellery: It is a popular material for creating affordable and beautiful jewellery.
Decor: Its smooth surface and aesthetic appeal make it suitable for decorative items, furniture, and luxury accents.
Other Uses: It can also be found in the form of powder for decorative finishes in crafts.
Key Characteristics:
Iridescent Sheen: Mother of pearl is known for its luminous, shimmering, and rainbow-like appearance.
Colour Variation: Its colour can range from cool shades like white, silver, and blue to warmer tones such as pink, gold, and green.
Delicate Material: It is a delicate substance that requires special care, such as avoiding direct contact with chemicals and water to prevent damage or alterations to its finish.