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Knife
Bow Porcelain Factory - Enlarge image
Knife
- Place of origin:
London, England (probably, made)
- Date:
ca. 1755 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Bow Porcelain Factory (probably, maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain, decorated with underglaze blue, with steel blade
- Credit Line:
Given by J. H. Fitzhenry
- Museum number:
1611-1871
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 118a, case 5
Object Type
Until the 17th century, it was the custom for guests to bring their personal cutlery, but by the 18th century knives and forks were provided in matching sets by the host. The basic form of knives and forks had also become standardised by this date.
Design & Designing
By the mid-18th century, table knives and forks were usually made in sets and decorated to match the rest of the cutlery. By the end of the 18th century the standard pistol-shaped haft (handle) gave way to straighter, flat-ended hafts. Forks generally had smaller hafts. The knife blade is usually of sabre, or scimitar, shape. The steel blades and shanks have a 'tang' or rod at the base that fits into the hollow handle, which is then packed with resin. The junction between haft and blade is fitted with a small metal collar, or 'ferrule'.
Materials & Making
Porcelain hafts were introduced into Europe from China, and the subsequent demand stimulated the production of porcelain hafts at many European factories. The Saint-Cloud factory near Paris specialised in Baroque moulded ornament and underglaze blue, while the Bow factory in London, which produced similar designs, dominated the English market.
