Vruchtenlepel 1927

This is a silver fruit spoon, made by H. Hooykaas C.V. The Dutch had a strong presence in the silverware industry, which grew in prominence due to the country’s history of trade and a rising wealthy merchant class. The spoon is pierced with stylized floral and foliate motifs. These are visual cues that speak to the Dutch interest in trade, and Dutch design's reliance on pattern books and exotic styles of ornament from abroad. Silver objects like this are not just functional; they are a way of showing off one’s wealth and taste. They reflect the changing social norms around dining and entertaining in the Netherlands, and the emergence of a consumer culture. As historians, we look into archives of manufacturing companies and private collections to understand how this silverware reflects not only the Dutch culture, but also the global exchange of ideas and goods during this time.