Images(2)

Strainer or Colander

Dateca. 1770

OriginEngland, London

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft)

DimensionsDiam: 9 1/8" (23.2 cm).

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-413

DescriptionRound bowl with cylindrical foot ring and attached perorated saucer shaped top. Bluish tin glaze decorated in deep blue: on the top, concentric bans of geometric motifs and a border of trellis diaper and stylized leaves; on the exterior, two floral sprays with coarsely hatched flowers and scratched leaves.
Label TextThe purpose of a bowl such as this one has been much debated. One authority has suggested that it was used as a flower vase, but if that were the case, the top would likely be convex like smaller flower pots (see CWF accession 1947-154). It is more likely that the vessel was used to strain or drain food.

The only recorded dated example of this form is inscribed 1751. The London attribution for the present model is based on the dark blue color and the decoration. Shards of a blue-and-white strainer and of white strainers have been excavated in Williamsburg at the Chiswell-Bucktrout House (38DA.0226) and at the Donnegan and Windmill site (38EA.OO36).
InscribedNo
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceMatthew & Elisabeth Sharpe, Conshohocken, PA