Heart(h) n Home : Kamini's Eclectic Kitchen

Continuing my series on Kamini's home, a tour of her Kitchen over at the food blog :). I had shared a few pics of her outdoor space and entry way in an earlier post on the DE. 

Link: Here

Friday Finds ~ Porringers

Another item I see in most antique stores ~ Porringers. 

Porringer is a small dish from which Europeans and colonial Americans ate their gruel or porridge, or other soft food. These bowls are generally 4" to 6" in diameter, and 1½" to 3" deep.

Colonial porringers have one handle 

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whereas European ones tend to have two handles on opposite sides

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I found a few pieces with the owner's initials engraved on them. A few came with a lid as well.

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It is believed that these bowls, with single or double handles, originated in the medieval period in Europe. They were made of wood, ceramic, pewter or silver. 

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Later ones were made of brass or aluminum as well. Peculiarity of these bowls are their flat handles. And unlike regular cups or bowls, their handles face upwards :)


Interesting facts
Original porringers are very rare and uncommon today. This is because, porringers made in USA prior to the American Revolution (c. 1776) were looted from kitchens and turned in, to make bullets for soldiers. The most famous colonial porringers are probably those made by Paul Revere. Nowadays, Porringers are given as a gift for the Christening of a child. Porringers resemble smaller quaich, a Scottish drinking vessel.


Quaich

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Friday Finds ~ French Butter Keeper (Butter Bell)

This week's find is a very utilitarian, antique pot/crock used to store butter  (with out the need for refrigeration :)

French Butter Keeper (or) Butter Bell 

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Before refrigerators came into being, butter was kept in earthenware pots, and sometimes submerged in water. I keep bumping into antique and modern versions of the Butter crocks/pots. The original water submerged  butter crock /bell is said to have originated in France in the Middle Ages. (5th to 15th century)

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There are two pieces to the crock, the interior piece which holds the butter and the exterior which holds approximately 1/3 cup of cold water. The water works as a seal keeping your butter fresh and spreadable. If used correctly, butter is said to remain fresh for up to 30 days. Cool isnt it!!...Just keep changing the water every three days. Although butter may slip out in higher temperatures, this is better than a refrigerator because the butter is protected from the air, and it remains at room temperature. 

Off late, I see a lot of well known brands reproducing the old style crock. Which one would you want ??

Marble bell

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Glass 

ceramic or vintage Enamel 

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ceramic

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I may end up getting one home soon...funny part - We don't eat butter...lol

Friday Finds - Shhhhh....

This week's find has an off beat name. :-)...hence the teaser!


I came across a shiny piece of kitchen utensil (so i thought) in a small thrift store and loved it. I clicked a few pictures with the shop owner's permission...and came back home to research about it, not knowing where to start, the picture went into my folder and lay there for a while. And then I saw this ad on craigslist and was thrilled to know the name of this mysterious kitchen utensil. It is called the Silent Butler. Funny name isnt it. The purpose of this kitchen accessory wasnt that funny though..:).. Before you laugh it off...you should know that these pieces are priced anywhere between $100 to a few thousand depending on the period, make, material used and the amount of work done on them :-)

craigslist

Silent butler??
A small receptacle with a handle and hinged cover, used for collecting ashes and crumbs.
(source: yourdictionary.com). 

Interesting isnt it!...How about looking at a few other silent butlers :)

A truly unique piece of sterling silver to add to your collection, this is it! Made by Tiffany and Company

replacecments.com

Antique European Silver Silent Butler engraved with a pretty floral motif and trimmed with a figural scroll border. 

The silent butler sits on four claw feet and the hinged opening displays a charming shell finial. And the lovely ivory handle adds an exquisite touch! The silent butler derives its’ name from the concept of decrumbing a table with the presence of a hovering bultler. Charming indeed! A suggested modern day use- fill it with candy or nuts and place it on a coffee table. source: nelsonandnelsonantiques.com

This piece was made in Italy circa 1935/40. Comes with an ivory handle 

silvercollection.it

How about a beautiful porcelain silent butler in the Kalk style. Rose & gilt floral pattern w/ moriage detail. Features Victorian style brass hardware & design

ebay

Another antique heavy gold gilt hand painted silent butler that is marked Royal Crown hand painted and numbered, but I can't quite make out the entire number. It has lovely floral either rose or apple blossom sprays and brass findings. It is in good working condition and has no chips and no cracks and very little wear. It measures 10 inches long and the thumb handle measures 4.5 inches tall overall. It has gold decorations inside on the bottom

cyberattic.com

There are rectangular box type ones as well. This piece has enamel work done on it.

worthpoint.com

Craftsman style hammered finish, in copper 

coppertolane.com


It is said that apart from silent butlers, hostess also used a crumb tray to collect food crumbs..Trays and silent butlers were paired with a brush...exquisite isnt it!


Edwardian style crumb tray and brush

carters.com

I love finding such amazing kitchen, furniture and utility pieces...Let me know your thoughts..and you are welcome to share such vintage finds to be featured on the design enthusiast!