Grapevine Ceramic Reamer Juice & Pitcher, Blue and White, 1920s-1930s Japan

Grapevine Ceramic Reamer & Pitcher Set. 

This lovely reamer (aka juicer) with pitcher was designed and manufactured during the prewar years in Japan.  Likely dating to the late-1920s/early 1930s, this piece would make the perfect addition to a blue and white kitchen with its grapevine pattern and blue accents.

Ceramic reamers, exported from Japan and sold at reasonable prices across the United States, were common in households across America throughout the early and middle years of the 20th century. This was before the time of bottled or frozen citrus juices.  If you wanted orange juice or grapefruit juice for breakfast or lemon or lime juice for cooking, baking, or cocktails, there was one way to get it - freshly squeezed.

This charming reamer and pitcher measures measures approximately 5" tall x 6 1/2" from spout to handle.  The clever design allows for the fruit to be cut in half and then placed over the reamer.  Squeezing and turning the fruit around the reamer releases the juices for collection in the pitcher below.  The juice can then be brought to the table for serving or used in the kitchen as needed.

Although inexpensively mass produced, Japanese ceramics of the time were hand painted.  Marked "Made in Japan" on the bottom.

Ceramic reamers were fragile and since they were used on a regular basis, many were chipped or broken in the course of their lifetime.  This lovingly used example is in nice condition with some minor crazing and a crack in the handle, indicating all the more how beloved this reamer was in its previous home.

Any citrus fruit can be juiced with this beauty, so give it a try at your next breakfast or brunch and charm your family and friends.  Add it to your bar set-up for cocktails and mixed drinks that might need a splash of lemon or lime.  Or make a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade the old fashioned way!