£1,500
A cased collection of four Persian (Abadeh) carved and pieced pearwood Sherbet spoons (Qashuq), late 19th century, with intricate piercing and carving. 62 cm x 30 cm x 18 cm
These decorative spoons were thought to be for use by dignitaries or elite members of society during banquets or special ceremonies. Indeed, Iranian paintings from the early to mid-nineteenth century show such spoons placed delicately along the edges of large porcelain bowls, floating upon the surface, the contents of which contained sherbet. These spoons were used communally amongst guests, often with several guests drinking from the same spoon. Major R. Murdoch Smith discusses the Iranian town of Abadeh (between Isfahan and Shiraz) as being the main centre of Persian wood carving during the period of 1800-1900. This town was famous for its elaborately carved spoons (qashuq) and small boxes, all made of either pear or lime wood, and carved with a common pocket-knife. See similar in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London Credit: The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Some damage to the case
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