Romanian Carved Wood Double-Ended Fork & Spoon, Openwork Chip-Carved Handle, Signed NP, Nicolae Popa Folk Art

Description

Overview

An unusual double-ended serving piece hand-carved from a single piece of wood — fork at one end, spoon at the other — incised “NP” on the bowl back. The piece is consistent with the work of Nicolae (Neculai) Popa (1919–2010) of Târpești, Neamț County, Romania, a celebrated naive sculptor and founder of a village ethnographic museum. It likely dates to the late 20th century and comes from The Craft World Tours Collection, whose Romania itineraries included visits with Popa.

Design & Craftsmanship

• Function & Form: Combined serving fork and spoon, approximately 15.5″ long: three-tine fork at one end, pointed oval spoon at the other, joined by an open rectangular frame that forms a comfortable grip.
• Artistry & Ornamentation: Frame’s inner edges sawtooth chip-carved, each side rail with an incised leaf motif; a block of pyramid-lattice chip carving sits between frame and bowl. Knife-faceted bowl back with incised geometric marks.
• Structural Base: “NP” incised on the back of the spoon bowl above the lattice block.

Condition Report

• Surface Condition: Natural unfinished wood with visible tool marks and slightly raised grain on the fork tines; possible small nick on the underside of the fork neck. Likely light handling wear overall.
• Structural Integrity: Appears stable and whole. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.