Utility Ware [caption: AIHA Collection: Gifts of Dr. and Mrs. Roderick H. Blackburn]

(a) Chamber Pot (kamerpot)
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Dutch lead-glazed whiteware, yellow, c. 1640-1650
1986.26.13

(b) Serving dish (dienstschotel)
Delft, the Netherlands
Dutch lead-glazed redware, polychrome, 17th century
1986.26.7

(c) Pipkin (grape or kookkan)
Delft, the Netherlands
Dutch lead-glazed earthenware, 17th century

(d) Skillet (steelpan)
DeRyp, the Netherlands
Dutch lead-glazed earthenware, c. 1650

(e) Bowl (oorkom)
Dutch lead-glazed redware, polychrome, c. 1630

(f) Colander (vergiet)
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Dutch lead-glazed whiteware, dark green, c. 1630

Over the centuries, food and its preparation have been of major significant for the Dutch people. Dutch 17th century utility wares, more than those of any other European country at that time, reflect a conviction of the dignity of household labors and a pride in the tools used for these. Dutch pots and pans of the period are attractive in form, glazed in vivid colors and polished to a brilliance that reflects appreciation of the equipment. 

These utensils date from the 17th century and are the same simple forms recovered 

by archaeologists from the site of Fort Orange (Albany). The Albany Institute is one of the few museums in America that owns examples of these Dutch wares. 

Faience