Spoon Rack
Unknown Artist
1700–1800
Medium
Poplar
Dimensions
23 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (60.3 x 19.7 cm)
Classification
Spoon rack
Culture
European
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Robert W. de Forest, 1933
Accession Number
34.100.54
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum Art, this Spoon Rack 1700–1800 everyday craftsmanship from a bygone era. Crafted poplar—a lightweight, readily available hardwood common in colonial woodworking—the piece measures a modest 23 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches, perfect for wall mounting in a modest household. Though the artist remains unknown, its simple, functional design reflects the anonymous artistry of skilled woodworkers who prioritized utility over ornamentation. Spoon racks like this one were essential household items in 18th-century homes, particularly among European settlers i...