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Welsh Love Spoons
In spite of its popularity as a Welsh love-token, very little is known about the origins of the custom. A common tradition of courtship in most countries is the giving of love-tokens, normally by the man to his betrothed. The love-spoon celebrates two things: an elaboration of an age-old domestic craft and the virtuosity of carving. It celebrates the suitor's woodworking ability and the care he has taken in making a gift for his lady. It is thought that the acceptance or refusal of a love-spoon became part of the betrothal ritual among the Welsh peasantry, but there is no documentary evidence that this is the case. It must be noted that the practice was so pervasive from the 17th century onward, and popular practice may suggest such a "ritual". The earliest surviving example is dated 1667, and even at that time the spoon had no utilitarian value, only ornamental.
(Welsh Folk Customs, by Trevor M Owen, Gomer, 1987.)
Studio Anne Carlton Chess Sets (see below)
The highly skilled designers, sculptors and craftsmen at Studio Anne Carlton have preserved and maintained the traditions of SAC in a new collection of hand made chess sets. The richness of finish and attention to detail continue to make these beautiful chess sets from England stand out as beautiful playing pieces and focal pieces for your home.
The chess sets include scenes from Alice in Wonderland, Battle of Waterloo, Robin Hood, Gods of Mythology, Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes (which is pictured here)
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Sherlock Holmes Chess Set
The famous fictional private detective, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is featured as the king in this remarkable chess set. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson face their greatest adversary, Professor Moriarity, across the chessboard. The set also features Mrs Hudson, Inspector Lestrade, Irene Adler, Colonel Moran and the infamous Hound of the Baskervilles as the knight. The characters are based on the original drawings that appeared in Strand Magazine in 1890 to accompany the Sherlock Holmes stories.
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