Nutmeg: Graters, Pomanders and Spice Boxes

Once, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold. For much of human history, the 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 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, and western society. 

Beautiful antique silver, gold, enamel, bone and ivory graters and rasps demonstrate how much nutmeg was valued throughout history. This book gathers pictures of some of the finest examples, alongside several mechanical graters from the UK and USA. It also includes useful information on the history of pomanders – another piece of paraphernalia associated with the nutmeg, as this spice was once thought to ward off plague. 

Combining the social history of nutmeg with explanations of the spice production and transportation process, and detailed accounts of current nutmeg grater collections in the UK, the USA and the Victoria & Albert Museum, this book is the essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers and auctioneers.