Such objects were an essential component in the etiquette of formal dining in the baroque period when the display of impressive plate reflected the status and importance of the host (or, in the case of ambassadors, the country he represented). Their function (in addition to being impressive) was to hold ice-packed bottles for the service of wine. This object was undoubtedly inspired by German examples seen by Lord Raby in Berlin on an earlier visit in 1701. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

Provenance

Thomas Wentworth, 3rd Baron Raby of Wentworth Castle, Yorkshire; by descent to Marquess of Lothian; Sotheby’s, 2010.