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Knife and fork handle

Knife and fork handle

  • Place of origin:

    Germany (possibly, made)
    France (possibly, made)

  • Date:

    1530-1580 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Steel, with handles of copper enamelled in relief

  • Museum number:

    2254&A-1855

  • Gallery location:

    Metalware, room 116, case DR7

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Enamelled handles, such as on this knife and fork, were fragile and easily damaged. Few examples survive in good condition. Most come from Germany and France where they were especially popular.

Ebony, ivory, fish skin, tortoiseshell, amber, bone, horn and shell were all popular for decorating cutlery. Around 1730 ceramic handles were introduced to Europe from China. Although cutlers were required by their guilds to be able to make a complete knife, handles of carved ivory, silver, bronze and glass were usually imported or made by specialist craftsmen.

Physical description

Handles of copper enamelled in relief with insects, flowers and leaves.
Some engraving on the blade, and gilding on the shoulder. [knife (culinary tool)]

Place of Origin

Germany; France

Date

1530-1580 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Steel, with handles of copper enamelled in relief

Marks and inscriptions

"Marked with a cross on the blade (unidentified)." [knife (culinary tool)]

Dimensions

Length: 19.2 cm [knife (culinary tool)]
Width: 1.5 cm (maximum) [knife (culinary tool)]
Length: 7 cm [fork handle]

Descriptive line

Knife and fork handle with enamelled handles, Germany or France, 1530-80.

Materials

Enamel; Steel; Copper

Techniques

Engraving (incising); Parcel-gilt

Categories

Eating; Metalwork; Tableware & cutlery

Collection code

MET

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Qr_O109021
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