This lavish object would have been used in the early 19th century to cool and store bottles of wine. The shape of this piece takes the form of a sarcophagus or tomb and it is decorated with lion's paw castors, lions' heads and the Greek key design. Inside, the wine cooler is lined with lead which would have ensured the container functioned correctly and kept its contents cool.

Despite not being a wine producing country, wine accessories like this wine cooler were popular in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries. This, however, was a time of unrest; the conflict between England and France during the Napoleonic Wars meant that most aspects of life were affected and the wine trade was no exception.

The price of imported goods from wine–producing nations, including France and Spain increased, making wine drinking a costly activity. As a result wine was considered to be very important in the homes of those who could afford it and as such the display and storage of it had to be impressive. Members of the aristocracy and wealthy merchants commissioned and purchased wine accessories like this wine cooler to present this prestigious drink to their guests.