kruiken

Kruiken is the plural form of kruik, a Dutch word used for containers that hold liquids. In contemporary Dutch, kruik most commonly refers to a hot water bottle—an object made of rubber or thermoplastic that is filled with hot water to provide warmth. The term kruik can also denote a broader historical category of vessels, including glass, ceramic, or metal containers used to store or transport liquids such as water, wine, oil, or medicines. These antique kruiken varied greatly in size and shape and were common in households and trade.

Historically, kruiken served practical functions in daily life, travel, and commerce. Glass and ceramic kruiken could be decorative as well as functional, with glazes, reliefs, or inscriptions that indicated contents or origins. In modern usage, the hot water bottle is the dominant meaning of kruik, while the plural kruiken may still be encountered in reference to multiple such bottles or when discussing older kinds of containers.

Care and safety differ by type. For hot water bottles, it is important to avoid overfilling, always use hot rather than boiling water, and inspect for cracks or leaks; replace bottles when wear appears. For antique kruiken, cleaning should be gentle to preserve glazes or finishes, and damaged containers should be stored or displayed with care to prevent breakage.

Kruiken thus refer to both a practical heating device in current use and a broader class of liquid containers with historical significance in Dutch material culture.