Norwegian Hand-carved Wooden "Love Spoon" or Wedding Spoon black glazed and on the opposite is

and on the opposite is a nude Adam in a similar reclining pose

One need not be a skilled practitioner of ikebana to make striking use of this beautifully crafted ikebana vase

This is the sort of vase I would always have on the table or shelf

When closed

Norwegian Hand-carved Wooden "Love Spoon" or Wedding Spoon black glazed and on the opposite isThe tradition of carved wooden "Love spoons" apparently dates to mid 1600s, when they were made by young men as gifts for the objects of their affection in hopes of beginning a courtship. Often incredibly ornate, with whimsy type elements showing the prowess of their makers, they came to be carved throughout Europe in a variety of styles. This one, which I'd guess dates to the 1960s or so, was made in Hus Flid Norway (the original sticker is still on