Glass rinser, 1757-8. Museum no. C.427-1921.Bequeathed by D.M. Currie

Glass rinser
France, Sèvres
1757-8
Soft-paste porcelain, painted in colours and gilded
Museum no. C.427-1921
Bequeathed by D.M. Currie

Wine

Until the 20th century vintners imported and sold wine in barrels. They tested the quality of the wine by pouring a small amount into shallow silver wine tasters. Wealthy families bought wine by the barrel and had it transferred into bottles for storage. It was then decanted into something more elegant for the table. Servants poured wine on request after which empty glasses could be cleaned in individual rinsers.