Indian Oil Spoon with Spear Top

Ruddy and crusty, this small ladle wears its green corrosion like a scarf.

This brass oil spoon with a spear top is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. A spear-shaped finial is a decorative detail, and such pointed forms appear on many Indian metal objects as ornament or as symbols of protection. Round shallow bowl joined to a handle with a decorated collar, ringed bands and a plain slender shaft. A small pointed finial caps the end. The surface is reddish brown with crusty green traces near the bowl. It is 1 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 6.75 high.

Patina earned the long way, one year at a time.