Jester Clown Juice Reamer, Hotta Yu Shoten Juicer, 1920s Japan

Jester Clown Juicer/Reamer

This lovely reamer (aka juicer) with pitcher was designed by the Hotta Yu company during the prewar years in Japan.  Likely dating to the late-1920s/early 1930s, this whimsical piece features a clown jester head atop a basket weave pitcher with a floral pattern with leaves.

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 is larger than most, measuring approximately 6 1/2" tall x 6 1/2" from spout to handle, and was most likely used for juicing oranges or grapefruits.  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 as indicated in the stamp on the bottom of the pitcher.  The "H" inside the cherry blossom flower is the mark of the Hotta Yu company.

Ceramic reamers were fragile.  Since they were used on a regular basis, many were chipped or broken in the course of their lifetime.  This lovely example is in nice condition with some minor crazing and wear and several tiny chips along the black edging to the left of the jester's face.

Any citrus fruit can be juiced with this reamer, so give it a try at your next breakfast or brunch. Or add it to your bar set-up for cocktails and mixed drinks that might need a splash of lemon or lime! And a freshly-squeezed glass of lemonade is always a treat.