Byzantine Empire, ca. 600 to 900 CE. Extremely rare long-handled, shallow-bowled bronze spoon, with the handle end tapering to a point. On the back of the bowl is a simple cross. The spoon is a fascinating cultural object, 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 royal or noble households. With the cross, was most likely used at the level of a high-order (somewhat elevated) bishop (someone higher up than a typical minister/priest). Size: 8.1" L x 1.25" W (20.6 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Priavte LA County collection

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#117674

Some patina seems to have been cleaned from the surface; shape is excellent and cross design is clear.