Sherbet Spoon
1850-1900 (made)
Place of origin |
The finesse in which this spoon was carved suggests its use for dignitary or elite members of society during banquets or special ceremonies. Indeed, Iranian paintings from the early to mid-nineteenth century show such spoons placed delicately along the edges of large porcelain bowls, floating upon the surface, the contents of which contained sherbet. These spoons were used communally amongst guests, often with several guests drinking from the same spoon.
Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife.
Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Carved pearwood; painted with green and red |
Brief description | Carved wooden spoon, Iran (Abadeh), Qajar period, 1850-1900 |
Physical description | Carved wooden spoon with a large boat-shaped bowl, long rhomboidal handle, and rosette at the join, elaborately carved in openwork. Made from a single piece of pearwood. The handle is entirely carved with an intricate, repeating geometric pattern with stylized birds in profile running along the edges, each accented with small red painted dots. A Persian inscription decorates the center of upper handle (painted in green). |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by H. M. Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 |
Object history | This spoon was a bequest from the Royal Commissioners for the 1851 Exhibition, see registered papers 21/5388. |
Summary | The finesse in which this spoon was carved suggests its use for dignitary or elite members of society during banquets or special ceremonies. Indeed, Iranian paintings from the early to mid-nineteenth century show such spoons placed delicately along the edges of large porcelain bowls, floating upon the surface, the contents of which contained sherbet. These spoons were used communally amongst guests, often with several guests drinking from the same spoon. Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife. |
Collection | |
Accession number | W.342-1921 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest