Decorative spoon depicting a naked woman standing between two scrolled arabesques
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1903
This decorative spoon is one of a group of five sculptural spoons created by the British sculptor, goldsmith, and medallist Sir Alfred Gilbert. Made in England, the piece is dated to circa 1903 (with production dating falling between 1898 and 1907, though circa 1930 has also been proposed). It measures 23.5 cm in height and was constructed using wax and other materials applied to a wooden caddy spoon base.
The spoon features a sculpted wax and painted wood finial depicting a nude female figure standing between two scrolled arabesques. The spoon's foundation utilizes a Japanese lacquered wooden ladle decorated with painted geometric patterning. Gilbert characteristically combined disparate materials and forms, incorporating the pre-existing wooden vessel into a sculpted model with intricate figurative detail.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The spoon was among the items remaining in Sir Alfred Gilbert's studio at Kensington Palace upon his death in 1934. Gilbert had maintained a passion for designing keys and spoons since the early 1890s. The set was purchased from the executors of Gilbert's estate by Sigismund Goetze and the National Art-Collections Fund, who together presented it to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1936.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Wax and other materials applied to a wood caddy spoon
- Dimensions
- Height: 23.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Gilbert, Alfred (Sir)
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Decorative spoon depicting a naked woman standing between two scrolled arabesques
- Museum object number
- A.95-1936
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.