Glimmingehus, pewter charger plate from Munka Tenn

Glimmingehus, pewter placemat from Munka Tenn

The placemat is a practical part of the dinner table. It protects the table from heat as well as stains if you accidentally spill something.

Glimmingehus coaster also raises the table setting to another level and is a classic highly polished pewter placemat! Unlike silver plates / silver-plated coasters, they also do not need to be polished and stay shiny for many years.

Weighing 0.65 kilos, this is a coaster to create a luxurious impression. It has a diameter of the standard 30 cm and is made of lead-free pewter.

Glimmingehus is the placemat that creates a table that exudes luxury and style. With its beautiful high-polished finish, this will be a big hit at your dinner parties. Or why not keep it on display as part of your dining table decoration, even when it's not dinner time!

A little history about pewter and pewter plates / pewter dishes

Ancient origins
The use of pewter, an alloy consisting primarily of tin mixed with small amounts of copper, antimony and sometimes lead (please note that the pewter we use is lead-free and therefore also food safe), dates back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological findings show that pewter was used by the Egyptians as early as 1450 BC. They used pewter to make a variety of objects, including plates, bowls and other utensils.

Roman times
During the Roman period, tin became more widespread throughout Europe. Roman tin objects, including plates and cups, have been found at various archaeological sites. Tin was preferred for its durability and relative ease of manufacture compared to other metals. The alloy was particularly popular among the middle and upper classes.

The Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, especially from the 12th century onwards, pewter became the preferred material for tableware among the wealthy. Pewter dishes, often engraved with intricate designs, were common in the households of nobles and wealthy merchants. During this period, guilds were also established to regulate the quality and production of pewter items.

The Renaissance
The Renaissance, which spanned the 14th to 17th centuries, saw pewter tableware become even more ornate and artistically significant. The designs on pewter dishes became more detailed and often featured scenes from mythology, biblical stories, or heraldic symbols. Pewter also became more accessible to the emerging middle class during this period.

17th and 18th centuries
The 17th and 18th centuries marked the peak of pewter's popularity in Europe and colonial America. Pewter dishes were common in households, and advances in craft techniques led to a greater variety of shapes and sizes of pewter objects. However, the introduction of porcelain from China and improved glass production began to challenge pewter's dominance.

19th century decline
During the 19th century, pewter's popularity began to decline due to several factors. The Industrial Revolution brought mass production techniques that made porcelain, glass, and silver-plated objects more affordable.

Modern times
During the 20th and 21st centuries, pewter experienced a renaissance as a collectible and decorative material rather than everyday tableware. Modern pewter, which is lead-free, is valued for its aesthetic qualities and historical significance. Artists today produce pewter dishes that are replicas of historical designs or new creations that reflect contemporary artistic trends.

Conclusion
The history of the pewter dish is a journey through millennia that reflects changes in technology, art and society. From its origins in ancient civilizations to its peak in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its decline during the industrial era, pewter has remained a fascinating material that connects us to the past.