Late Roman to Early Byzantine Period, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A fine silver spoon presenting a deep, circular bowl with a cross incised on the verso and a lengthy, slender stem used in extracting snails or seafood from their shells. This form is known as a cochlearium, as cochlea is Latin for "snail." The skillfully incised cross features flared arms and is flanked by a pair of petite Chi Rho symbols, while the elongated stem is adorned with a twisted design along its shoulders and handle. An "X" motif adorns the area just after the twisted shoulders, while a similar pattern embellishes the part of the stem just before the handle. The lovely drop consists of a circular adornment incised with an additional Chi Rho. A fine example of this simple but precious utensil that demonstrates the spread of Christian imagery into the late Imperial household! Size: 7" L x 1.3" W (17.8 cm x 3.3 cm); silver quality: 87 to 96%; weight: 24.8 grams

Often a prized personal item at a time when the average person owned very little, spoons made of precious metal were so highly valued that they were often listed in inventories of noble households.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#137795

Intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and lovely patina.