Creamers became widely popular in the 1740s, although they were sometimes used before that. Initially, creamers were ceramic, but in the 18th century, Dutch craftsmen started producing silver creamers for European customers. These became elements of tea and coffee sets, which were popular during the reign of King George III of the Hanoverian dynasty.
A similar but larger vessel was called a “milk pitcher”. It was more often used in cities, less so in the countryside. The Russian term “molochnik” meaning “a milk pitcher” became popular in the central governorates of the European part of Russia, as well as in St. Petersburg and the Urals.
The hospitality customs mainly focused on the meal and serving dishes to the table. Particular attention was paid to tableware, as it was an important part of the table setting. The quality of tableware depended on the financial well-being of the hosts. During feasts, new dishes were served on the tables. They had various purposes, sizes, and shapes.
Often, dinnerware sets and individual items were handed down from one generation to another. Small jugs were always kept on the table, allowing guests to add milk and cream to their tea or coffee according to their preferences. Such vessels were essential components of the Russian tea party, along with a samovar, a bread basket, and a sugar bowl.
In the Russian Empire, creamers appeared in the late 18th century. According to tea ceremony rules, cold cream was poured into the cup first, and only then hot tea was added. Typically, creamers contained up to 200 ml of liquid. These products were often decorated with floral patterns or painted landscapes.
Creamers were made of metal or porcelain. Some of the manufacturers included the Matvey Kuznetsov Partnership for the Production of Porcelain, Earthenware and Majolica Products and the Imperial Porcelain Factory. During the Soviet era, they were produced at the Konakovo Porcelain Factory named after M. I. Kalinin and the Dulyovo Porcelain Factory named after the Pravda newspaper.
The museum collection includes a pear-shaped metal creamer with a low and wide neck. In the 19th century, such products were manufactured at the Norblin & Co. Warszawa enterprise in the Kingdom of Poland, which was part of the Russian Empire.
