Spoon 1720 - 1721

This silver spoon, crafted in the 18th century by William Darker, transcends its utilitarian purpose. In its form, we find echoes of ancient vessels, receptacles of sustenance, and libations offered to the gods. Consider the act of holding the spoon, a gesture akin to offering. The cupped bowl mirrors the open palm, a universal symbol of giving and receiving. One might recall the vessels depicted in Minoan frescoes, laden with offerings. Or the chalice in medieval paintings, emblematic of spiritual nourishment. This simple spoon carries a powerful emotional charge, a deep-seated connection to the primal act of feeding and being fed, evoking memories of warmth, security, and nurture. It reminds us that even the most humble objects can be vessels of profound meaning, repositories of human experience.