Wooden Spoons Appraisal

Khokhloma Painted Wooden Bowl, Plate, and Spoons Set

This item is a set of Khokhloma painted wooden kitchenware, comprising a bowl, a plate, and two spoons. The pieces are crafted from wood, likely basswood or birch, and finished with the traditional Khokhloma lacquer and characteristic folk art painting. The predominant colors are a vivid red, shiny gold, and black, with accents of green and yellow in the floral and berry motifs. The bowl features a black exterior with a red rim and a striking gold interior. The interior is adorned with a dense pattern of red berries with black outlines, green and gold leaves, and scrolling gold vine-like elements. The plate, which serves as a saucer for the bowl, is predominantly red with a gold border. Its surface is decorated with a similar but distinct pattern of green leaves, gold stems, and red berries. One spoon, resting inside the bowl, is entirely red with a gold bowl interior. Its bowl is painted with green leaves, red berries, and gold highlights, matching the overall Khokhloma style. The other spoon, partially visible, appears to have a yellow handle segment and a red bowl. All pieces exhibit a glossy, lacquered finish, common to Khokhloma ware, which not only protects the wood but also enhances the vibrancy of the colors. No significant condition issues like chips, cracks, or extensive paint loss are visible in the provided image, suggesting good preservation. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with intricate and fine brushwork evident in the decorative patterns. These items are indicative of traditional Russian folk art and likely date from the mid-to-late 20th century, a period when Khokhloma ware became widely popular and exported.