Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. This is a high quality 91% silver spoon with an ornate neck and handle. The bowl is shaped like a rounded flask in cross section and a protruding avian head and open beak, perhaps an eagle, sits between the handle and the bowl. Above is an openwork square, and the handle tapers to a pointed tip at the end for use in extracting snails or seafood from their shells - cochlea is Latin for "snail." This is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship for a utilitarian utensil, however everyday spoons made of precious metal - such as this silver example - were so highly valued that they were often listed in inventories of noble households. Size: 5.5" L x 1" W (14 cm x 2.5 cm); silver quality: 91%; weight: 17.3 grams
Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#133058
Condition
Surface abrasions consistent with age and use. Nicks to handle, but otherwise intact. White mineral deposits on the handle and neck. Dark toning and patina.