Art Nouveau-Style Gatto Resting Cat Knife Rest - 10.5 cm Length - Handcrafted in Italy - PewterThis pretty pewter Art Nouveau Style Gatto resting cat knife rest, handcrafted in Italian pewter by highly skilled 'pewterers', is practical as well as pretty, and finishes a properly appointed table, perfectly. Knife rests are the essence of fine dining, adding a touch of glamour and ritual to the table top. Dating back to the 16th Century and the court of Henry VIII when they were made of wood, modern knife rests are more likely to be made of metal

its splayed base sits on four feet on a pierced frame

and ‘coasting’ (or sliding) a bottle of port around the table could take place

or formalising time for a turn on a board game

Ref: CT2500000/CT2543800

Daniel Defoe references them

inlaid with three solid glass square dishes

with the word 'RESERVED'

Decanting was historically important to separate clear wine from sediment that had built up after extended aging

tartar or Béarnaise sauce

Set of six

This single pewter candlestick is the shorter and sturdier of the Albino pair of candlesticks

The handy 1 litre volume means that drinks can be pre-mixed and/or served in batches