Vintage June Houston Signed Hand-Painted Quail Silverplate Spoon, 1999

Details

Description

A small work of art with the character of a collected country house, this vintage silverplate spoon features an intricate, … Read more A small work of art with the character of a collected country house, this vintage silverplate spoon features an intricate, hand-painted portrait of two crested quail among golden grasses and slender branches. Signed by June Houston and dated June 7, 1999, it combines miniature wildlife painting with the ornamental detail of vintage silver—a distinctive find for collectors of bird imagery, sporting decor, and unusual decorative objects.

The composition rewards close inspection. Fine brushwork describes layered plumage in charcoal, cream, gray, and muted lavender, with warm rust accents bringing depth to the birds. A pale background and narrow black border frame the scene within the curved spoon bowl. The handle provides its own decorative interest through geometric edging, scrolling ornament, and an elongated, unengraved cartouche.

Evoking the atmosphere of a hunting lodge or English country study, this piece sits naturally alongside leather-bound books, tartan textiles, dark wood, and antique sporting prints. Its wildlife subject and aged silver finish complement Ralph Lauren–inspired interiors, while its intimate scale makes it especially suited to the thoughtful finishing details of a room.

Display it on a miniature easel, within a shadow box, or in a cabinet of collected silver and natural-history objects. Individually hand-painted and signed on both sides, it offers the personal, expressive quality that makes vintage collections compelling.

Artist, Date & Maker

The painted decoration bears June Houston’s signature and the date 6-7-99, with a corresponding signature and date on the reverse.

The underlying spoon is marked “N.S. CO. – A.1 PLATE,” identifying National Silver Company silverplate. The 1999 date applies to the artwork; the spoon’s manufacturing date is undetermined. Earlier ownership and commission history are undocumented.

Details:
Artist: June Houston
Spoon maker: National Silver Company
Date of painted decoration: June 7, 1999

Dimensions:
7⅛″ long × 1½″ wide × ⅞″ high
Approximate weight: 1.5 oz. See less