Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Spoon
Late 19th / Early 20th Century — c. 1880–1920
- Material
- Horn / bone
- Use
- Salt / condiment
- Century
- 19th century CE
- Size
- Small
- Provenance
- Owner's collection
Dimensions2 measurements
- Overall length
- 12.5 cm
- Overall width
- 3.2 cm
Catalogue Note
A graceful serving spoon fashioned from mother-of-pearl, displaying the characteristic iridescent lustre and subtle veining typical of shell inlay work from the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The bowl is generously proportioned with a gentle curve, whilst the handle tapers elegantly to a flattened terminal. The surface exhibits the soft patina and minor stress lines inherent to age and gentle use; the nacreous finish remains luminous, catching the light with delicate colour-play. A charming example of utilitarian craftsmanship from an era when natural materials were prized for both aesthetic and tactile appeal.
Spoon Lore
Mother-of-pearl spoons were particularly fashionable in the late 19th century as affordable alternatives to silver, often paired with silver-mounted handles or presented as standalone pieces for serving condiments, jellies, and relishes at Victorian tea services.
From the collection of
George Whitfield