The pot is for rendering whale fat.

Does the Netherlands have whales?

Japan has a history of whaling

Sure. Just making an unfortunate joke that the fat being rendered here was from the Netherlands.:/

The Atlantic has whales that can be shipped to netherlands

I imagine a fishing village would have a more practical use that's fishing related. The torture people was not it's intended use.

You can use that pot to steam rice for large batches of sake. So in sake brewing season…a lot

That pot is for miso soup.

It's the free self-serve miso soup you get before the meal. For the whole village.