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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2012.1.158
Title
Silver Spoon
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
spoon
Date
4th century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Britain (Britannia)
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/57470

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Silver
Dimensions
19.5 cm (7 11/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
D. David-Weill Collection, France. [Hotel Drouot, Paris, June 1971]. [Simone de Montbrison, Arts Antiques, Paris, 1977], sold: to The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (1977-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

D. David-Weill (1871-1952)
Hotel Drouot, June 16, 1971, lot. 70.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2012
Object Number
2012.1.158
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This silver spoon has a pear-shaped bowl and a long handle tapering to a point. The handle-bowl attachment is in the shape of an elegant scroll.





Commentary
The pointed end of this spoon would have been used to pierce shells of shellfish and eggs or to open mollusk shells. Though spoons are often made of ivory or bone, this silver example would have been of higher cost and likely part of a Roman house's entire set of silver tableware.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art

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Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu