Gold trimmed Victorian bone dish with delicate floral pattern. Early 1900s, with expected age crazing. Can be purchased individually or as a set. Please inquire for options.
The Antiquary's Story:
The Victorian Era marked the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from June 20, 1837 until January 22, 1901. Known for the first Industrial Revolution, it was a time of extreme political reform, social consciousness and rigid etiquette.
Some of our favorite rules are:
Only bare hands at the table: “At the time of taking refreshment, of course, [they] must be taken off. No well-educated person would eat in gloves.” - Etiquette for Ladies, 1843.
Don’t eat too much or too little: “Be careful to avoid the extremes of gluttony or over daintiness at table. To eat enormously is disgusting; but if you eat too sparingly, your host may think that you despise his fare.” - The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness, 1874
Don’t be a loud eater: “It is decidedly vulgar to make a noise, either in taking the food into the mouth, in its mastication, or in swallowing.” - Good Housekeeping, 1893.
Victorian rules for etiquette were widely observed, and the Victorian table setting had many layers. Bone dishes were used to hold discarded chicken or fish bones, so that one’s plate did not pile up with mess. They were also used to separate cold and warm items on a plate, when they arrived as part of the same course.