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22

Apostle Spoon


Silver and niello
Early Christian, 5th century AD
Length: 9 7/8 inches (25.1 cm.)

This beautiful silver spoon has been lavishly inlaid with niello in order to create a two-tone effect similar to that used on Late-Antique silver plate and discussed above under the chariot fitting (cat. 1). The bowl is inscribed in Latin "Puritas" (purity) and on the stem "Matteus" (Matthew), probably referring to the apostle. The owner's faith is confirmed by a cross on one side of the disc joining the stem and bowl; the other side displays the owner's monogram.

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