Mustard goes back thousands of years, with references in ancient Indian, Sumerian, Greek and Roman texts, and in the Bible. If you’re a mustard fan, here’s a brief history and a summary of different mustard types.
I was struck by the simplicity of the arrangement in this painting, which has the handles of all the utensils, not just the knife, pointed toward the viewer. The handles lead the eye from right to left, from the bold colour of the spoon, to the strong utility of the knife, and on toward the mustard pot. The pot is delicate by comparison, and it seems to me to be sitting there, almost innocently, harbouring the secret of its ancient spice.
Still Life with Mustard Pot
how we played that game
are you a knife, fork, or spoon –
I said – mustard pot –
hot, sweet, spicy, and contained
smiling buddha in the fridge
©elsp 2025
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