Carved Spoon - Carved Boxwood Ceremonial Spoon - Folk Art

Late XIXᵉ century

Crete

Carved boxwood ceremonial spoon, belonging to the folk art productions of the late XIXᵉ century in Crete. The object is distinguished by particularly precise execution and decoration covering the entire handle, suggesting a symbolic or representational function beyond simple utilitarian use.

The spoon, with its deep, ovoid shape, is finely hollowed. It has a beautiful patina of use, with homogeneous old traces testifying to prolonged use.

The spoon, egg-shaped and deep, is finely hollowed.

The long, structured handle is entirely adorned with dense, rigorously organized geometric decoration. This is composed of radiating star rosettes, triangulated networks, repetitive friezes and superimposed registers. The perfectly symmetrical composition is based on a masterful interplay of lines incised deep into the wood, creating effects of light and rhythm characteristic of Mediterranean production.

The carving, done with a knife, is clean and precise, with great regularity in execution. The choice of boxwood, a hard, fine-grained wood, allows for particularly fine, detailed work here. The whole has a warm, satiny, antique patina, enhancing the legibility of the decoration.

On the reverse, the presence of a carved element that is now blunt, most likely corresponding to an old bail or fastener that has now disappeared. This ancient loss alters neither the reading of the object nor its balance, and testifies on the contrary to its age and use.

This type of spoon is part of a craft tradition in which the geometric decoration, often carrying ancient symbolism, plays a full part in the object's identity value.

Condition : Good overall condition. Old wear and traces of use, old loss on the reverse (old bélière), homogeneous patina, perfectly legible decoration.

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Dimensions:

Height: 24 cm

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