Thursday, June 9, 2016

Arcane Dining Oddities: Papier-Mâché Wine Coasters

Chronica Domus
English Regency papier-mâché wine coasters nestle a pair of ring-neck 
decanters of the same period
Photo: Chronica Domus


I have long admired the elegant appurtenances of well laid dining tables of Regency England. Aesthetically restrained in form, they were the antithesis of excessive fussiness associated with Victorian tastes. And, unlike the confounding array of dining implements that materialized during Victoria's reign, which have long passed from favor (ice cream forks anyone?), basic dining utensils and table articles of the Regency are still recognizable to modern diners.  There is, however, one very practical item that has regrettably vanished from the landscape of the dining table; the papier-mâché wine coaster.

Chronica Domus
Our small but growing collection of early-nineteenth century papier-mâché wine coasters
Photo: Chronica Domus


Bottle coasters, decanter slides, or wine coasters are all terms used to describe the same thing.  Its purpose is to facilitate the act of sliding or coasting wine or spirit decanters to one's fellow dining companions with ease.  Baize, a coarse woolen material typically green in color, lines the bottom surface of this useful table article. It is the baize that ultimately enables the wine coaster to glide, or coast, across the polished surface of a dining table.

Chronica Domus
Although faded, the baize on this wine coaster, circa 1810, is original
Photo: Chronica Domus


Of course, if the table is to be set with a cloth, wine coasters are checked in their purpose and impeded from sliding. They do still function toward more practical ends, keeping them relevant, at least in our household. Who, I ask you, enjoys the labor of removing wine stains from their napery? Not I! So, when these coasters are set beneath our glass decanters, they do an admirable job of corralling the errant dribble of wine which may escape even the most careful of host.  One's lily white tablecloth remains just so.

Chronica Domus
Evidently, the tipsy Prince Regent chose wisely when selecting the color of his tablecloth. His over-worked wine coaster stood little chance of containing the waterfall of drips created during his bacchanalian bender


You may be asking yourself why on earth such a thing might be constructed of paper, as moisture is its natural enemy.  As you may well imagine, papier-mâché wine coasters are somewhat of a rarity nowadays, at least when compared to their sturdier cousins born of silver and wood.  I am confident their scarcity has everything to do with the fact that great numbers of them were ruined through use, despite their lacquered surface which, in theory, promised a more durable finish.

Chronica Domus
This pair of deep green colored wine coasters, circa 1815 to 1820, is in exceptional shape due to the lacquered surface remaining intact
Photo: Chronica Domus


Ultimately, the passage of time would lead to their demise.  The modern habit of serving wine directly from the bottle did not help their cause either.  Although the majority of today's vintners employ modern filtration methods, eliminating pesky sediment and a genuine need to decant, we still opt to press our pretty decanters and their corresponding coasters into service. Besides, red wines in particular can benefit from aeration.  Surprisingly, so do whites. Unless you use a dedicated wine refrigerator that is perfectly programmed to cool white wines, most standard refrigerators overly-cool them.  Decanting lessens the chill factor making the experience of sipping a glass or three of Sauvignon blanc a far more delightful experience. Cheers!

Chronica Domus
Here's a snap of a dinner party we held for friends this past April showing the placement of our decanters and papier-mâché coasters at the head and foot of the dining table (prior to my husband having filled them). So much nicer than plonking bottles of wine directly on the table, would you not agree?
Photo: Chronica Domus


The papier-mâché wine coasters in our collection all date to the first half of the nineteenth century and are all English.  They make the perfect foil for the Regency period ring-neck decanters that rest within them during our dinner parties.

I purchased my first wine coaster, seen in the following photograph, from a dealer in London about a dozen years ago.  He told me that black coasters are as scarce as hen's teeth, which, of course immediately made me wonder if I would ever find another like it to assemble a pair. All these years later, I am still on the hunt. The sole decoration embellishing this coaster, which dates to about 1810, is a fine charcoal colored stripe around its top and base, sublimely subtle and rather lovely to my eye.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


A more fanciful version for these papier-mâché wine coasters came in the form of a trolley.  Oh, the spectacle of sending these delightful vehicles into action and observing them being wheeled from one happy imbiber to the next!  I imagine such antics could easily get a little out of hand after downing one too many.  That is, if I were anywhere near them I mean.

Chronica Domus
A rare pair of papier-mâché decanter trolleys, circa 1850-20, could be yours for
the princely sum of $12,850


I am not certain what this lozenge-shaped early toleware piece was intended for, but when I spotted its gilded tendrils and vine leaf decoration, I had to add it to my collection for use as a wine coaster.

Chronica Domus
What could this early toleware object have held?
Photo: Chronica Domus


Luckily for me, it is perfectly proportioned to hold a pair of early-nineteenth century barrel-shaped cut glass spirit decanters. I am, to say the least, thrilled with it.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


Perhaps you too will unearth a wine coaster on your travels to a preferred antiques shop or an auction room.  If ever you do, I would encourage you to consider its purchase.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


For the next time someone asks you to "Pass the port, please!", you'll not only be doing so with style and ease, but with the knowledge that your tabletop is to remain unmarred from the effects of a good vintage.

25 comments:

  1. I love your paper mache coasters. They are so elegant in their simplicity. I have to admit that I never realised you were supposed to push them around the table - I'd only thought of them corralling the drips, but of course it makes total sense with their name!
    Your table setting is so beautiful. What a lovely, understated and elegant dining room you have.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Heidi,

      Thank you so much for your kind comments regarding our little dining room. I've spent many happy hours in there with good friends and family over the years and it has become my favorite room in the house because of its many happy associations.

      Aren't coasters such smart little things? Corralling drips of wine and for their ability to be slid down the dining table - I say let's bring them back into vogue!

      Delete
  2. I have never heard of Papier-Mâché Wine Coasters! They are beautiful! Now I want some. I own some English ones of this period but they are of silver and wood. I'm going to keep my eye out for the Papier-Mâché ones! Your toleware tray might be for bread. I love all of your cut crystal!

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    Replies
    1. Hello andrew1860,

      I wish you luck on your hunt to find these very useful table articles. Do please let me know if you are successful.

      I'm not so sure that the toleware piece held bread as it is a mere four inches wide, and ten long, which leaves little room for bread to rest upon it. The vine leaves and tendrils lead me to believe it was intended as a wine related accessory, but what?

      Delete
  3. CD,
    So interesting and quite pretty. I confess, I would have had the same worry you mentioned...paper mache might be fragile where liquid is concerned. It's great that you've found some lovely examples in what appears to be pristine condition.
    xo,
    Karen

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    Replies
    1. Hello Karen,

      So please you found the subject of these pretty papier-mâché wine coasters so interesting. It is rather startling to think that the examples in our collection have survived for so long, especially considering their delicate nature.

      Delete
  4. A dining room! It's a sign of the times that people just don't have many separate dining rooms anymore but yours looks lovely. I bought a bottle and holder from an auction years ago and I love the set and purpose of it. We don't drink much wine at home so I haven't gotten the paraphrenalia to go with it but yours looks a bit like the japanese lacquer ware I love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, a dining room! When we were in the house buying market, a dining room was a "must have" for me, and a basement for the mister. It took a good long year, but we finally found both under one roof.

      I never considered the fact that these coasters resemble Japanese lacquerware, but now that you've mentioned it, they certainly do. I've seen papier-mâché wine coasters with oriental themes as decoration so the British were obviously influenced by the east.

      Delete
  5. I always learn something new when reading about your collections. These wine coasters are beautiful! So elegant, as is your dining room.

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    Replies
    1. Hello slf,

      Not quite sure what happened but your comment landed in my "spam" folder, which of course, it never should have!

      It pleases me to know that you find something of interest in my scribblings, thank you. I aim to please.

      Delete
  6. Hello CD, I have long been an admirer of papier mâché. Although the material is quite strong, I would be afraid of getting old examples wet. Have you had any problems with using them?
    --Jim

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jim,

      I've not encountered any obstacles when using my wine coasters for port or red wines. A little condensation does develop on the coaster that I place the white wine decanter, but it has not (yet) harmed the lacquered finish. They are a delight to use.

      Delete
  7. What a delectable trove of arcane accoutrements you've discovered! Charming and elegant, those coasters, and the occasions are heightened by the use of such lovely necessaries.

    I want the oval bowl to be for walnuts, set somewhere near those matching decanter-shoes, for I've long been enamoured of "walnuts and port" as a course in itself, even though ladies had been dismissed to allow for coarser, more manly topics over the crackings and sippings. And the dish, though the finish is pristine, might have been meant for a dainty nutcracker and the smooth round promise of some meaty walnuts.

    Now you've set me off all over Google seeing such lovely and striking table settings and dinner parties, and quotes from Miss Jane, that in the absence of Chris this Sunday afternoon, I and a pitcher of lemon tea are heading to Netflix, in search of the Kate Beckinsale version of EMMA, which is the only one I've not seen. Or, maybe a most-unaccustomed sip of Tawny-Port-in-the-afternoon, along about the Dinner Party for Mrs. Elton. If it's as long as in the book, I'll probably need it.

    Happy Sunday afternoon!

    rachel

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    Replies
    1. My Dear racheld,

      You are in for a superb afternoon with plans to watch Miss Beckinsale in Emma. It is, by far, my favorite version and I've owned it on DVD since its release. Mark Strong does a stellar job as Mr. Knightly ("Badly done Emma, badly done"), and delivers his lines with authority and wisdom. You will, I assure you, enjoy it, so break out your port and walnuts and enjoy your afternoon. (note to self: time to rewatch soon!).

      Delete
  8. These are beautiful. And your table for the party, your dining room, almost makes me want to move into a house like yours, instead of my 1950s rancher:).

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    Replies
    1. Why, thank you! I do so enjoy our dining room mostly because we've created wonderful memories through the years with friends and family. You'll have to join us one of these days.

      Delete
  9. Oh, those are fabulous! You have the most wonderful things and I love how you love their histories. To me, that is the very best thing about antiques: the way they allow one to touch the past.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jen Lawrence,

      Yes, indeed, the best thing about antique items is their connection to another time, aside from their beauty of course. Sometimes, I try to imagine the dining rooms my wine coasters once graced, and what tidbits of gossip were they privy to as the master of the house poured wine for his rowdy guests. Oh, the stories those coasters could tell!

      Delete
  10. Ah, yes of course, another shared collection with you. I have been building out our collection of wine coasters for several decades now, and have I think maybe six (or is it eight?) papier mache ones like yours, plus four or so silver and wood ones (which we almost never use infinitely preferring our papier mache ones). A favorite set of papier mache coasters is painted scarlet with gold decoration, a delightful alternative to the ones we have in black. Huzzah!

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    Replies
    1. Dearest RD,

      Your comment has jogged my failing brain into checking where the heck I've placed a pair of silver coasters long ago purchased but rarely used, thank you.

      How marvelous to learn that you too have amassed your share of papier-mâché wine coasters over the years, and enjoy their use as much as we do. The scarlet and gilt pair you describe sound perfectly covetous and must surely be the icing on the cake to your decanters.

      Delete
  11. My Dear CD!!!
    How did I miss this FAB post! Your Dining Room is exquisite and you obviously follow GSL lighting dictums to the letter!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, GSL. We enjoy dining by candlelight which makes everything look magical in its glow, and takes the edge off the craggiest of faces.

      I recall one particularly gusty evening this past winter when the power went out. Our dinner guests barely noticed due to the dozen and a half candles illuminating the room.

      Delete
  12. My Dear CD,
    A couple more things:
    As to stained napery: should those charming papier mache costers not corrall every errant dribble; I highly recommend the Mark Twain Dry Cleaners near Wrigley Field who are quite adept with burgundy varietals...and countless shades of lipstick. Just ask for 'Shorty' and she'll know GSL sent you.

    The Prince Regent hang dog expression is likely not from a bacchanalian bender but appears to be the moment he was on the receiving end of the most famous quip of the early 19th Century. As you can see by what lies at his chubby feet, he is at a Masquerade and intended on finally putting that upstart Beau Brummell in his place so conspicuously gave 'That Charming Man' the brush when he approached.
    The always nonplussed BB then addressed their mutual friend Lord Ardenley with:
    "Ardenley, who's your fat friend"

    CD, your source link gave no pedigree regarding image so please let me know if this image cites that incident as it does fit perfectly.

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    Replies
    1. Hello GSL,

      I've become quite the expert around these parts at removing all manner of quaffable reds from my formerly white tablecloths. I blame the type of company I keep at my dinner table, or perhaps my overly-eager attempts at "just a little more" when it comes to topping up my guests' glasses.

      I recall you mentioning the excellent 'This Charming Man' in one of your earlier comments. You will be pleased to learn that I watched it on your recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it.

      I believe the Prince Regent caricature might have been drawn by James Gillary who became famous for his political and social satires. Please look him up to see more of his cracking good work. I think you'll enjoy it.

      Delete
    2. Correction, that would be James Gillray.

      Delete

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