Antique Pearlware Milsey Strainer

A rare early 19th century blue and white transfer printed pearlware strainer or milsey, with chinoiserie decoration (pagoda pattern maybe) and an unusual moulded handle. It is believed that the name Milsey may be a Scottish amalgamation of the words ‘milk’ and ‘sieve’, and that these little strainers were used for straining milk to remove the skin that formed when it was boiled (milk was nearly always boiled before use). They are sometimes believed to be egg strainers (for letting the water drain away from a poached egg) or tea strainer (assuming tea leaves were much coarser in the 19th century).There is a very informative and extensive publication by Richard Halliday regarding pickle dishes and milseys, and he tested milseys to see how they faired straining various things, and the milk straining faired best! Whatever their use, they are charming little things. This one has pretty if slightly indistinct decoration, and a lovely little handle.