A French turned treen olive spoon or skimming ladle, featuring a deep hemispherical bowl pierced with a radial arrangement of drainage holes surrounding a central aperture. Designed primarily for straining olives from brine or skimming curds, the bowl is set above a lathe-turned collar with decorative baluster mouldings, transitioning into a long, tapered handle terminating in a neatly turned button finial.

Historical & Style Details

• Object Type: Olive spoon / skimmer ladle
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Lathe-turned wood (treen), drilled perforations
• Materials: wood
• Colour & Surface: Natural light wood tone with warm patina and visible grain rings
• Condition: Good vintage condition with minor surface wear consistent with age and functional use

History

Perforated wooden spoons and skimmers have been an integral part of traditional French country culinary culture and rural food preparation since the 18th and 19th centuries. Specifically crafted for scooping olives from deep brine crocks or straining small foods and cheese curds, these finely turned treen utensils exemplify the elegance and utility of French vernacular woodwork.