18th century pineapple display stand
18th century pineapple display stand
7311
A rare 18th century cut glass pineapple table centre piece display stand, circa 1750. Sorry but it's just the stand and doesn't include the Regency model pineapple.
Pineapples were once considered incredibly valuable due to their rarity, exotic appeal, and difficulty to cultivate outside tropical regions. In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, they symbolised wealth, status, and luxury. They would be proudly displayed as a table centrepiece to demonstrate the owner's wealth.
Transporting fresh pineapples from the Caribbean to Europe was expensive and risky, making them a coveted delicacy for the elite. They were often rented for display at lavish parties, demonstrating a host's prestige. Beyond their aesthetic and culinary appeal, pineapples were admired for their unique flavour and tropical allure, which contrasted sharply with the limited fruit variety available locally. This combination of scarcity, novelty, and social symbolism drove their extraordinary value.
Dimensions:
RELATED ITEMS
