Puritan Spoon 1663 - 1664

Editor: This is a "Puritan Spoon," attributed to Jeremy Johnson. It's silver, quite small, and looks remarkably simple. What strikes me is its austere elegance. What design elements stand out to you? Curator: The spoon’s form adheres to a functional purity. Note the planar handle contrasting with the ovoid bowl. How does the reflection of light inform your sense of its materiality? Editor: I see what you mean; the light emphasizes the smoothness, the unadorned surface. It looks cold, almost clinical. I wonder about the absence of any ornamentation—doesn't that say something? Curator: Precisely. The lack of embellishment directs our attention to the intrinsic qualities of the material and form. One appreciates the inherent beauty of its simple utility. Editor: It's amazing how much thought can go into something seemingly so basic. I’ll never look at silverware the same way! Curator: Indeed. Form follows function, revealing a profound aesthetic in the everyday object.