A Taste of Beauty: Spoons of Africa from the Collection of Richard Ulevitch

Antique African spoons as vessels of history and aesthetic beauty

Please join us for a captivating evening showcasing local author and African art collector Richard Ulevitch and his book "A Taste of Beauty: Spoons of Africa" from the Collection of Richard Ulevitch. Come learn about the extraordinary artistry and cultural significance of African spoons depicted in this captivating book.

This beautifully crafted book explores how these masterfully carved utensils transcend their practical purpose to become profound expressions of artistic excellence and cultural identity. Stunning photography and detailed analysis reveal the intricate designs, symbolic meanings, and historical contexts of these remarkable artifacts. This comprehensive work illuminates the sophisticated artistic traditions of African craftspeople while exploring the intersection of functionality and aesthetic beauty.

Ulevitch has collected African spoons for over 30 years, dating primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2025, the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento mounted an exhibition of the collection, the most comprehensive display of these objects to date. Ulevitch is a professor emeritus at Scripps Research where he served for over 50 years and his research transformed our understanding of the immune system.

Visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library