Untouched Carved
Spoon Rack

Hudson River Valley
New York, to New Jersey

ca. mid 18th century.  

In a very high state of preservation with bone dry never varnished or painted surface on pine and/or tulip poplar, while retaining all original spoon rails that are joined through the back with large rosehead nails. The carving includes geometrics, sawtooth border, molded borders and fronts to the spoon rails, and a tulip on the crest.

It was customary for the gentleman in this region to gift his fiancé or wife a spoon rack at the time of engagement or marriage, yet only a small number have survived. About 22 ½ inches long x 9 3/8 wide.

See Remembrance of Partia, Dutch Arts and Culture in Colonial America, 1609-1775, Albany Institute of Art, pages 159-161 for discussion and photos of related examples.