M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
19TH CENTURY CARVED TREEN WELSH 'LOVE SPOON'

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Of sycamore or fruitwood in excellent condition,
the broad shaped flat handle pierced with 'hearts' and 'commas'
above a short ribbed stem and ovoid bowl
The earliest surviving Welsh love spoon dates c1667, now in the Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff.
However the tradition of giving love spoons probably far predates that time.
According to folklore, these ornate "cawl" (soup) spoons were traditionally carved from
a single piece of wood (usually sycamore or fruitwood) with a pocket knife by young men -
particularly 'shy young men' -
to show affection and intentions for their loved ones.
The spoon would be presented to a young lady as a prelude to courtship.
If she accepted the spoon, it would be hung with ribbon on a wall beside the fire...
and the wooing could proceed.
Each lovespoon is unique, created by one suitor for his particular 'intended'.
The symbols featured on this spoon are as follows :
Hearts : The universal symbol of love; a sign of passion and strong emotion,
signifying the carver's depth of feeling for his beloved.
Comma or paisley shape : Said to represent the soul and deep affection.
Quite often, these spoons fall to the floor, giving them bits of damage –
which personal history only endears them the more.
For further references on Welsh Love Spoons,
see p.158-164, Treen & Other Wooden Bygones, Edward Pinto,1969
(reprints, 1976, 1979)
Condition : Excellent with only general superficial wear; no chips or cracks
10.25" Long / 4" Wide
PRICE : Please Inquire
#8046
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Also See :
Two 19th Century Welsh 'Love Spoons'
The left example : 19th Century Treen Love Spoon,
carved with Hearts and Commas (soul, deep affection), 10.25" Long
The right example : Early 19th Century Treen Love Spoon
carved with Hearts, Commas, Champagne Glasses, and Wheels
wheels (lifetime support) and spade bowl (I will work for you), 7.25" Long
and

On February 14th......
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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581
South Perkins Road / Memphis,
TN 38117 / USA /
Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment
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