A Rare pair of Ottoman Empire Dessert or Sherbet Spoons. The Bowl’s of Coconut, the stems of Bone and Beautiful coloured Coral. Early 19th Century Circa 1810-20……
This pair of luxurious and exotic spoons are made of Coconut, Mediterranean coral and bone. Such spoons commonly are described as having been used for dessert, typically fruit sherbets. But similar spoons also were used for rice and other sweet foods such as fruit stews and preserves. They were used to serve oneself from a communal dish at the table, but not necessarily used to transfer food to the mouth.
They would have graced only the most luxurious tables in Istanbul, in palaces including the Topkapi and the homes of the nobility and wealthy merchants.
Each has a tear-shaped, deep bowl with a pointed tip, and a long, thin handle. The examples have red branched coral finials.
Related examples are illustrated in Koc et al (2007, p. 129).
They are both in exquisite condition…..
REFERENCES
Koc, A., et al, Istanbul: The City and the Sultan, Nieuwe Kerk, 2007.
Provenance: Ex Jan Finch collection.
A Rare pair of Ottoman Empire Dessert or Sherbet Spoons. The Bowl’s of Coconut, the stems of Bone and Beautiful coloured Coral. Early 19th Century Circa 1810-20……
This pair of luxurious and exotic spoons are made of Coconut, Mediterranean coral and bone. Such spoons commonly are described as having been used for dessert, typically fruit sherbets. But similar spoons also were used for rice and other sweet foods such as fruit stews and preserves. They were used to serve oneself from a communal dish at the table, but not necessarily used to transfer food to the mouth.
They would have graced only the most luxurious tables in Istanbul, in palaces including the Topkapi and the homes of the nobility and wealthy merchants.
Each has a tear-shaped, deep bowl with a pointed tip, and a long, thin handle. The examples have red branched coral finials.
Related examples are illustrated in Koc et al (2007, p. 129).
They are both in exquisite condition…..
REFERENCES
Koc, A., et al, Istanbul: The City and the Sultan, Nieuwe Kerk, 2007.
Provenance: Ex Jan Finch collection.
