Hansje-in-de-kelder
‘Hansken is in de kelder’ (Hansel is in the cellar) can be read on the shield of the knight in the middle of the dish. Beneath the knight’s feet is an opening. When the dish is filled with drink, Hansel – a tiny baby – rises up. In the 17th century wealthy people used such dishes to announce the forthcoming birth of a child to their friends and family.