Spoon 1720 - 1730

This is a silver spoon, approximately seven inches in length, created by Jonathon Reed, an American silversmith who died rather young, between 1727 and 1742. The spoon is defined by smooth, flowing lines, a material sheen, and subtle curves. Note how the lines of the handle narrow to the base, where the metal flares and softens into a rounded, inverted heart shape. A similar smoothness can be seen in the bowl of the spoon, which is wide and elliptical, with the curve of its hollow reflecting light and shadow. The aesthetic value of this spoon lies in its simplicity. The elegant shape of the spoon, combined with its highly polished silver surface, transforms a mundane object into a display of artisanal form and design. The spoon is a prime example of how functional objects embody structural and cultural values.