Indigo Tester or Wine Taster – Silver

The design for this silver dish was based on the historic indigo tester as described in Deiderot’s plate and created specifically for the Charleston exhibition Interwoven: The Art of Indigo and Silver. During her research for the exhibition, curator Brandy S. Culp discovered the silver indigo cup in Deiderot’s plate and made the connection between the two exhibition materials. She writes:

“Beginning with the processing of indigo in the French West Indies in the 1600s, growers used silver sampling cups to test the readiness of the indigo liquid held in large vats. Silver was the best material for this purpose but also served as a symbol of status and power on the plantation, only available to the wealthiest planters. After enslaved workers toiled to agitate, or add oxygen by stirring, this foul-smelling liquid, the planter would dip his silver cup into the murky water and check the density of pigment released in processing.

Today, the indigo sampling cup is a forgotten form, and if surviving examples exist they have likely been mistaken for wine tasters, which are almost identical in shape and size. Thus, Kaminer has reimagined this historic form and based the handle on indigo plants from Leigh Magar’s garden, the indigo textile artist in Interwoven. This object is a literal connection between indigo and silver as well a contemporary reflection on tools of social control and power.”

The inside of the silver indigo tester’s bowl was highly polished and clean in order to see the color clearly. The indigo tester, like wine tasters, had a looped handle. Kaminer’s indigo leaf handle form was forged from a thick stock of silver sheet. The handle has an indention on the top for the thumb to sit in as described for both the indigo tester and wine taster.

Because the forms are nearly identical, this silver dish can also function as a wine taster or tastevin to examine wine for its clarity and quality. The high shine, mirror finish on the interior of the bowl creates the perfect reflective surface for making such judgments. The looped handle allows for it to be worn suspended from a ribbon or chain.

Developed by Burgundy winemakers, historic European documents make reference to the tastevin and in the late 17th century they became popular with the affluent French. Still popular today with sommeliers and winemakers, Kaminer’s design can be perfectly adapted for use as a contemporary tastevin.

High polish finish on bowl and matte finish on handle