Sterling Silver Serving Set With Fine Stampwork and Turquoise [SOLD]

C4074Z-silverware.jpg

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Artist Unknown
  • Category: Silverware - Flatware
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
  • Size: 7” long; 1-¾” wide
  • Item # C4074Z
  • SOLD

Close up view of the detail of this Flatware Set.

In her book Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade, Cindra Kline writes about the importance of the tourist trade in the creation of new art forms, specifically flatware, for Native artists. She stated “Navajo silverwork came of age at the moment when railroad travel to the Southwest brought artisans and traders into the American marketplace. The Victorian love of cutlery, and the nation’s obsession with commemorative silver merged in the intriguing artistry of Navajo spoons. From the 1880’s to World War II, Navajo smiths brought the highest level of skill and invention to functional teaspoons, servers, and sugar shells. At the same time, the spoons were the canvas for ethnic art. An utterly unique artform, these artifacts are now ardently sought by collectors and institutions, as rare mementos of Navajo artistry and the souvenir trade.”

This matching fork and spoon serving combo is an excellent example of the fine work created during this time period. In addition, the set is unique in that it is smaller than others. Similar in shape and design to larger ones, this set looks as if its intended use was for smaller servings. Each piece features varying sizes of well stamped crescent motifs to create an intricate design on the handle that includes a small cab of turquoise at the base.  The handle is thinner at the neck where it attaches to a stamped root that rises up to the bowl. The outer part of the bowl of both the fork and spoon is stamped with a small scallop design that frames the piece. The lovely set is unsigned and has a wonderful patina that only age can bring.

Condition: The Sterling Silver Serving Set With Fine Stampwork and Turquoise is in excellent condition.

Provenance: From a gentleman collector in Colorado

Recommended Reading: Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade by Cindra Kline

Close up view of the detail of this Flatware Set.


Artist Unknown
  • Category: Silverware - Flatware
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
  • Size: 7” long; 1-¾” wide
  • Item # C4074Z
  • SOLD

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