Roman Silver Spoon with Handle

5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.

7 3/8 in. (39 grams, 18.8 cm).

Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, square-section handle with knop finial.

Provenance

Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

Literature

Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, item 27, for type.

Footnotes

Cochlearia like this one have been discovered in treasure hoards. They were used in Christian times for administration of the Holy Communion. The absence of Christian symbolism or of a Christian inscription on this spoon might suggest that it dates from a pre-Christian era, or that its owner/commissioner was pagan, or simply that this spoon was intended for domestic use.

CONDITION

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LOT 0843