A Late Roman Silver Spoon, Late Roman Period, ca. 3rd - 5th century CE

Roman spoons stand out as a notable cultural artifacts, often considered a treasured personal possession. Spoons crafted from precious metals were esteemed so highly that they frequently appeared in the inventories of noble households. Their desirability is underscored by the discovery of silver spoons in various treasure hoards, a testament to their valued status.

This fine example features a shallow, circular bowl and a fluted back end. The handle is connected to the bowl by an elegantly curved piece of silver that tapers to a pointed tip. Called a "cochlearium" by the Romans, ("cochlea" is Latin for "snail), the sharp end of the spoon was used to pick up small pieces of food and extract snails or seafood from their shells, while the bowl was intended for gravies and desserts.

For a related example see: Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: 17.191.211 

Medium: Silver 

Dimensions: Length: 6 1/4 inches (15.9 cm)

Condition: The spoon is intact and in excellent condition. Presented on a custom mount.  

Provenance: English private collection, acquired in the 1970s.