This octofoil salver is ornamented with borders of acanthus and tapering gadroons. These are executed with the stiff elegance of Baroque Classicism, the style widespread in European silversmithing at the time. It was made in Batavia, probably by a resident Dutch silversmith.The Dutch inscription in the centre reads: “In memory of Gerard Christoffe Schaghen, born in Batavia 30 March and died 8 July 1740.” Gerard was the son of Johan Paul Schaghen, Director-General of Batavia from 1737 to 1742. Such commemorative salvers were commonly produced in Batavia, gifted to friends and relatives in memory of the deceased.
