"Assyrian Head" Pattern Table Spoon Spoon

Meriden Silver Plate Company

1885–86

silver plated, metal

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

A silver-plated spoon handle features a setting sun motif, scrolling foliate patterns, and terminates in a crowned "Assyrian" head with a laurel wreath. Oval shaped bowl, polished and unadorned surface. Narrow neck and stem, decorated with diagonal reeding halfway down handle, meeting setting sun motif above banded section. Stem continues, flaring towards terminal, decorated with scrolling foliate pattern, including sun with scrolling rays. Terminating in crowned antique style "Assyrian" head with laurel surrounding neck. Terminal of slightly rounded rectagular shape, with subtle upturn. Reverse side of handle devoid of ornamentation, with plain polished surface. Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund