In spite of the vigorous geometric decoration that lifts it out the realm of the ordinary, we recognize this as a household utensil such as we might use today and of a practical design that has been around for centuries. Did the person who used it daily so long ago stop as we do today to admire its bold, clean lines and artful blend of form and function? It seems as if it could still serve perfectly, so it is a shock to recognize that it has perhaps not seen duty for hundreds of years.