Romanian Carved Wood Bearded Face Spoon with Rosette & Triangle Handle, Signed NP, Nicolae Popa Folk Art

Description

Overview

A figural face spoon hand-carved from a single piece of wood, incised “NP” on the back of the head. 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: Decorative ceremonial spoon, approximately 16″ long, about 8 oz, with a bearded mask-like head at one end and a plain oval bowl at the other.
• Artistry & Ornamentation: Head with domed cap, ringed eyes with dark centers, wedge nose, comb-like carved mustache and a long beard cut in vertical strokes. The handle centers on a large oval rosette with notched rim, carved on the front as a faceted sunburst with raised center and on the back with incised rays around a dark ringed center, flanked on each side by two stepped triangle plaques with sawtooth edges. Likely a pale hardwood with a light natural finish.
• Structural Base: Rests on the faceted back of the bowl and the head; “NP” incised on the reverse of the head.

Condition Report

• Surface Condition: Light surface wear and slight toning on the back of the bowl, consistent with age and handling; carving remains crisp.
• Structural Integrity: Appears solid and stable. 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.