Publication Date
1850
Publication Place
Iran (made) -
Subject
Woodwork
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Length: 47.5 cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
728-1876
Record ID
728-1876
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1850
Notes
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.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Carved pearwood and painted
Fiziksel açıklama
Large sherbet spoon carved from a single piece of wood, the base of the ladle and handle carved in subtle relief with floral sprays and Persian inscriptions set within medallions and cartouches, painted in black against red or green. Small birds and a chained lion decorate the handle.
