Pierced Absinthe Spoon with Scrolled Handle
Victorian — c. 1880
- Material
- Sterling silver
- Use
- Ceremonial
- Century
- 19th century CE
- Size
- Large
- Provenance
- Owner's collection
Dimensions2 measurements
- Overall length
- 22 cm
- Overall width
- 7.5 cm
Catalogue Note
An ornate sterling silver absinthe spoon with a broad, flat, pierced bowl and scrolled handle. The bowl is intricately pierced with foliate and geometric motifs within a scrolled cartouche border; the handle rises to a foliated terminal and is densely chased throughout with acanthus and vine ornament characteristic of high Victorian taste. The piece exhibits confident, rhythmic relief work and substantial weight. Minor surface wear consistent with age and use.
Spoon Lore
Pierced absinthe spoons became fashionable in the 19th century as ritual implements for the absinthe ceremony: the flat perforated spoon rests across a glass of absinthe while cold water is dripped through a sugar cube, the openwork dissolving the sugar and diluting the spirit in the classic 'louche'.
From the collection of
Julia Moreau