Fork Handle
ca. 1680 - ca. 1720 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ivory handle of a knife or fork is formed of a nude female figure, probably the goddess Ceres, standingt against a tree-trunk. The style of the carving suggests the piece is Netherlandish and dates from the late seventeenth century.
Knives have been used since prehistoric times, but the history of knives, forks and spoons for eating in Europe probably commenced in the fourteenth century, and their use became accepted by the sixteenth century. Until the late seventeenth century it seems to have been common practice for people to carry their own cutlery, often in a leather case.
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.
Knives have been used since prehistoric times, but the history of knives, forks and spoons for eating in Europe probably commenced in the fourteenth century, and their use became accepted by the sixteenth century. Until the late seventeenth century it seems to have been common practice for people to carry their own cutlery, often in a leather case.
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.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Carved ivory |
Brief description | Handle of fork or knife, carved ivory, nude female figure, Netherlands, ca. 1680-1720 |
Physical description | The fork or knife handle is carved with a female nude allegorical figure, probably the goddess Ceres, standing against a tree-trunk and flowers, holding a sheaf of corn. |
Dimensions |
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Object history | Bought in 1859 (from the Soulages Collection). |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This ivory handle of a knife or fork is formed of a nude female figure, probably the goddess Ceres, standingt against a tree-trunk. The style of the carving suggests the piece is Netherlandish and dates from the late seventeenth century. Knives have been used since prehistoric times, but the history of knives, forks and spoons for eating in Europe probably commenced in the fourteenth century, and their use became accepted by the sixteenth century. Until the late seventeenth century it seems to have been common practice for people to carry their own cutlery, often in a leather case. 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. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 5585-1859 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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