Historical Discovery: Monteith

Monteith Bowl Tiffany & Co.

While visiting the American Period Rooms at the Met yesterday I stumbled upon an odd contraption called a monteith that kept popping up in all the 18th century rooms.

What is this thing? Well, the historical purpose of a monteith is to rinse and chill wine glasses. The crenellations at the top hold inverted glasses and allow their heads to be submerged under cold water.

The monteith's shape has inspired designs for lots of contemporary cachepots, bowls, and sporting trophies. And they still make very pretty centerpieces.

Comments (8)

Cool!

posted by bepsf on August 26th 2009 at 6:33pm
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confused -- do you have a pic of one being used?

posted by mlleErica on August 26th 2009 at 9:03pm
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looks like an ashtray to me... i'm just sayin' is all.

posted by pseudodesigns on August 26th 2009 at 9:36pm
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in all my experiences with amature antiquing i have never come across this (or just didnt realize it). thanks for the enlightenment.

posted by mkw on August 26th 2009 at 11:04pm
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Seriously. I had never heard of such a thing!

It would make a great crossword word.

posted by sally305 on August 26th 2009 at 11:50pm
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Could you post a picture of one in use, or with a wine glass next to it for scale? I admit I am confused because I was thinking ashtray (small). It must be quite a lot larger than the picture shows.

posted by Bee T. on August 27th 2009 at 7:23am
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For all you visual learners:

http://www.thedessertcourse.com/images/570.jpg

Check it out!

posted by anniewerb on August 27th 2009 at 10:16am
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perfect picture!!! thanks.

posted by mkw on August 27th 2009 at 11:11am
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