Spoon, Wood

Medieval spoons were made of a variety of materials including wood, horn and metal. Spoons of natural materials were used by those of low and middle status, and wood was preferred for kitchen use.  Metal spoons become common by about the 15th century, and the full descriptions and entries relating to silver spoons in the inventories of the royal and other households point to their special value and rarity. The earliest English reference to a silver spoon appears in a will of 1259.  Gold and silver spoons marked with the Paris fleur-de-lis are mentioned in the wardrobe accounts of Edward I for the year 1300.  

Wooden spoons may be found in many museum collections, including Chillon Castle in France and the Museum of London and York Museums in England. A wooden spoon was found on board the 16th century carrack Mary Rose, and is part of the Mary Rose's collection.

 

Although frequently overlooked, wooden spoons appear regularly in medieval artwork, often implying the users humble origins. The Concordantiae caritatis (Lilienfeld Stiftsbibliothek 151, fol. 33v), c. 1349-1351, The Nativity by Konrad von Friesach, c. 1450-1460, and The Birth of St. Roche from the altarpiece of St. Lorenz in Nuremburg, c. 1475-1485 are notable examples. The Holy Family with Angels in the Staatliche Museen, Berlin (Unknown master, c. 1425) depicts a craftsman carving spoons, as well as the Virgin using a wooden spoon to eat. 

 

Medieval spoons are distinctive due to the shape of the bowl and acorn, knob or diamond terminus on the handle. Our spoons are individually hand made in a typical late medieval shape, and the handle terminates in a plain knop.  They come to you smoothly finished but unsealed.  For best results we recommend sealing the spoon with oil or beeswax prior to use. 

 

Approx 6.5" long, 1.2" wide across bowl. 

 

Individually handmade of natural wood. Wood grain pattern and colour may vary from photograph. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, dimensions are approximate and will vary slightly from piece to piece.

 

Historical Accuracy Rating  


$8.95

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  • Model: SL-WSP001
  • Shipping Weight: 0.3lbs




This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 28 November, 2013.