Souvenir spoon: China

1890-1920

Measurements

4-5/8 in x 1 in x 3/4 in

Materials

Silver with gold-washed bowl

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1058

Inscription

A possible maker's mark is on the back of the spoon immediately below the bottom circle.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

This unusual spoon has a handle composed of three stacked rings of graduated size with Chinese characters within them.  The lower part of the handle has paired scored rings that suggest bamboo.  Translation of the characters is “Fu Lu Shou,” representing the Chinese gods or symbols of belief for fortune, prosperity, and longevity.