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.
Peggy
July 17, 2007 at 4:04 pmWhat 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.
Rachelle
July 17, 2007 at 8:32 pmOh pretty! AND a cool story!
Sarah
July 18, 2007 at 4:56 amI 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.
Julieta
July 18, 2007 at 12:59 pmIn 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
jennifer :: the make lounge
July 20, 2007 at 6:44 amWe 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
July 20, 2007 at 10:33 amIs 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. :)
Nicole | Making it Lovely
July 22, 2007 at 10:21 amIt 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.
Alecia
July 23, 2007 at 9:58 amInteresting. 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.
Inger
August 9, 2007 at 2:26 amIn Italy they use it for parmesan cheese. Nice set and nice blog!
Anna
March 24, 2008 at 6:03 amApparently in France dijon mustard is a standard part of the seasonings set on the table…
danishgirl
December 21, 2009 at 3:36 amhey 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,
Tracy
April 12, 2016 at 12:12 amI 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 ;)