Large Rare Antique Welsh Lovespoon.

A remarkable & rare large antique Welsh love spoon. unusually carved with three bowls and elaborate pierced and carved decoration, made from a single piece of sycamore with the original finish. This masterwork of Welsh folk art is distinguished by its highly complex form and beautiful craftsmanship. The handle features magnificent chip-carved decoration showcasing traditional geometric visual elements, including intricately pierced openwork wheels, believed to symbolise eternity, the paths of life, and a desire to guide the recipient securely through them. Unusually, the upper stem features an inset glass-fronted architectural panel enclosing a beautifully preserved, romanticised 19th-century Valentine's Day verse titled "A WISH": The spoon reads: ”A WISH. An old folk whisperer, good and true, When the moon of the year is blue, Will weave a moving charm for you, And look to see your wish come true”. The spoon culminates beautifully in three perfectly proportioned, conjoined bowls carved flawlessly from the single timber block. In Welsh love token tradition, multiple conjoined bowls represent the carver's ultimate display of technical mastery, as well as a symbolic promise of future abundance, shared wealth, and a family unit. This spoon measures: 43 cm high x 10 cm wide. The back reads: E Rees Hendre Towy Avenue Llandovery Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, South Wales circa 1850-1900, as detailed on the reverse paper label. Acquired from a private collection. Llandovery in Welsh, meaning "church among the waters") is a historic market town famed for its connection to Welsh heritage. It features a ruined Norman castle, ancient drovers' routes, and a deep-rooted history of traditional crafts, including Welsh woodwork and lovespoon carving. This is a highly collectible museum quality spoon. For more history and examples of rare lovespoons see museums such as St Fagans and the Carmarthenshire museum. Worldwide delivery available, not included in the price. Please contact us for a delivery quote before purchasing or arrange to collect from our London gallery by appointment.