Steelpan 1739

This steelpan was crafted by Frederik van Strant II in the 18th century. At first glance, it's a simple cooking utensil, yet it carries a deep symbolism tied to the heart of the home and hearth. Consider the bowl shape, an age-old symbol of receptivity and nourishment, reappearing across cultures from ancient libation vessels to the Holy Grail. Its purpose to contain and nurture life. The circular form has always represented a connection to cyclical time, and in some cultures it is believed to be a symbol of the female. A steelpan is often associated with alchemy, with the transformation of ingredients to create a meal. The presence of this object evokes feelings of warmth and care. Like a recurring dream, the steelpan resurfaces through generations, its function evolving, yet its essence remains unchanged. It holds not just ingredients, but also the collective memory of sustenance and familial love, echoing through time.