Romanian Carved Wood Face Spoon with Twin Wheel Rosettes, 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 15.5″ long, about 7 oz, with a mask-like head at one end and an oval bowl at the other.
• Artistry & Ornamentation: Clean-shaven head with domed cap, ringed eyes with dark centers, long wedge nose and slit mouth; the back of the head carved with a notched brow and round ear discs. Two round wheel rosettes with sawtooth rims and dark ringed centers, carved with curved rays on the front and spoked rays on the back, flank a central block chip-carved in stacked diamonds. 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: A darker toning streak inside the bowl and light surface wear, 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.