Scoop 1813 - 1814

This silver scoop, made by Samuel Pemberton around the late 1700s, is a fascinating convergence of function and ornamentation. Its diminutive size invites close inspection, drawing attention to the materiality of the silver and mother-of-pearl. The scoop's structure divides into distinct zones: the bowl, adorned with a dense field of stylized vines; the fluted bars; and the handle. Each of these segments presents a different textural experience and spatial arrangement. The ornamentation of the bowl suggests abundance, a decorative excess that speaks to cultural values of display and luxury. The pearlescent handle, offering a sleek contrast to the intricately worked bowl, hints at the object's intended use within a refined social sphere. Consider how the object’s scale and design may reflect power dynamics, where even daily utensils embody status.