Wine coaster

England

Wine coasters were developed in the late 17th century to protect the surface of the table as wine bottles were moved around. These are grand examples, made by a successful business which supplied the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. The design of the frieze with panthers, grapes and naked children refers to Bacchus, the god of wine. It is closely based on a design created by Paul Storr, a goldsmith who also worked for Rundells, and whose work can also be seen in this display.

Credit: Waddesdon (Rothschild Family)