A few years ago, my mother-in-law (thanks, Helen!) gave me a little stainless steel set that I believe was her mother’s. It had a little tray with salt and pepper shakers, and a sugar bowl. Well, I thought it was a sugar bowl.
I was cleaning it today, and I decided to google the manufacturer’s name (Stelton Denmark). It turns out that the little ‘sugar bowl’ might actually be a mustard pot, at least according to unica home and the rest of the interweb.
I was more surprised though to learn that the set had been designed by Arne Jacobsen! It’s part of his Cylinda line from 1967.
“Hmmm”, I thought. “I have a book about Arne Jacobsen. Maybe it will be in there.” [Note the ridiculous use of quotes. I am ever so writerly.] Anyway, it was in there:
Like the commercial version of the AJA flatware, the new line jettisoned the ornament and associations of traditional silverware in favor of a machined product that reflected both the nature of the material and Jacobsen’s own vision of sensuous utility.
Michael Sheridan, Room 606
Now, the book doesn’t make any mention of a mustard pot. In fact, the picture credits it as a sugar pot. And that’s exactly how I intend to use it.
12 comments
Tracy
I have the same set (from my Danish sister in law) and was googling it to see if it was a sugar bowl It is by the way ;)
danishgirl
hey so im from denmark, and since i have never heard about anyone who has a mustard holder, and know that mustard will ”eat” even silver, its most likely a sugar bowl,
Anna
Apparently in France dijon mustard is a standard part of the seasonings set on the table…
Inger
In Italy they use it for parmesan cheese. Nice set and nice blog!
Alecia
Interesting. I have a very similar pot, ala Crate and Barrel, that has the word “sugar” written on it. Maybe it’s used as a mustard pot for Europeans (who love their mustard) and a sugar pot for Americans (who, uh, love their sugar.)
BTW, I love your blog. I just stumbled upon it and I like hearing about how you’re redoing your house. I’m in a very slow slow slow process myself.
Nicole | Making it Lovely
It is a complete set (and yes, the tray has little indentations for everything). The creamer and sugar bowl were sold as a separate set too (all part of the Cylinda line).
I like the cinnamon and chocolate idea! Sounds yummy.
Julieta
Is it my imagination or are there indentations for the jar and S|P shakers? That’s why I thought it was a complete set…
I agree with Jennifer and the rest–who cares what it is? It’s awesome and should be enjoyed however you please. :)
jennifer :: the make lounge
We have an original Jacobson set and it was a creamer + the sugar bowl. The salt+pepper shakers might not be Jacobson…
In any case, enjoy!
Jennifer
Julieta
In the UK and U.S. sugar bowls usually have matching creamers, so unless the set is incomplete (not likely) it’s probably a mustard jar. They were fairly common and used regularly up to the late 60s/70s. My favorites are Holt Howard. One day I will have a little Holt Howard collection. They are so quirky and cheery.
In other countries, like Argentina where I am from, you will see sugar bowls paired with bowls to hold yerba (a loose tea). They’re called yerberas. http://store.amigofoods.com/yeyazdeacin.html
Sarah
I love the idea of a mustard pot! So quirky. And makes a bit more sense with salt and pepper shakers.
Though what a great idea by the above commentor about putting cinnamon and chocolate in them to serves with coffee and sugar.
Rachelle
Oh pretty! AND a cool story!
Peggy
What a happy coincidence! And I love the utilitarian shape of it. I thought it was a sugar bowl when I saw it. What if you used the salt & pepper shakers for cinnamon and chocolate? Then it could be used for when you are serving coffee.
Cute set.
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