Pita Bread Spoon

Norm Sartorius, Pita Bread Spoon, 1994, amboyna burl, 2 ³⁄₈ x 8 ⁷⁄₈ x 3 ¹⁄₄ in. (6.1 x 22.7 x 8.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.50, © 1994, Norm Sartorius

Artwork Details

Title: Pita Bread Spoon
Artist: Norm Sartorius
Date: 1994
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 2 ³⁄₈ x 8 ⁷⁄₈ x 3 ¹⁄₄ in. (6.1 x 22.7 x 8.4 cm)
Copyright: © 1994, Norm Sartorius
Credit Line: Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums: amboyna
Mediums Description: amboyna burl
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2003.60.50
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.50

Artwork Description

Amboyna wood is found in Southeast Asia and is the rarest of all burls, favored for its tightly clustered swirls of dark brown and vivid orange grain. Pita Bread Spoon highlights this rich pattern with a large, sweeping bowl and rounded handle. The spoon's folded shape evokes a piece of soft pita bread, and it is easy to imagine biting into the smooth edge of this tempting sculpture.