Monteith 1708 - 1709

Editor: This is a silver Monteith bowl by John Leach. It’s so shiny and ornate! How was this object used in its time, and what did it symbolize? Curator: Monteiths like this one were status symbols, often commissioned by wealthy families to display their affluence and taste. Editor: So, it's about the public display of wealth? Curator: Precisely. The intricate details and coat-of-arms engraving also speak to social identity and aspirations. The bowl itself was used for cooling glasses, think of it as a portable, fancy ice bucket. What does that say about the social rituals of the time? Editor: It suggests a culture of elaborate dining and a high value placed on appearances. I never thought an ice bucket could be so revealing. Curator: Indeed, it's a glimpse into the social values of the elite.