Wine coaster c. 1810 - 1820

This is a wine coaster of unknown date, made by an anonymous artist. Its concentric circles and alternating silver and copper hues create an immediate sense of balance. The coaster's form invites a semiotic interpretation. The repetition of oval shapes evokes a sense of containment, mirroring the coaster's function to hold a wine bottle. The silver bands give a sense of purity and refinement, while the copper offers warmth and a grounding presence. Consider how the artist played with symmetry and contrast, not just for aesthetic pleasure, but to create a functional object. The circular form itself is significant. It is continuous and without beginning or end, symbolizing completeness and harmony. The coaster, therefore, becomes more than a simple object, it is a miniature study in form and material. This prompts reflection on the relationship between function and symbolism, and how a utilitarian object can embody deeper cultural meanings.