Fork
1660-1685 (made), post 1680 (altered)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This fork of ivory and steel represents King Charles II (1630-1685; r. 1660-85), crowned and holding a sceptre. The object is likely to be contemporary with his reign.
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 | Steel with carved ivory |
| Brief description | Fork, ivory and steel, carved with the crowned figure of Charles II, the tines are probably later than the handle, England, 1660-1685 |
| Physical description | Fork with an ivory handle carved with the crowned figure of Charles II in Garter mantle with sceptre and sword. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs H. Farquhar |
| Object history | Given by Miss Helen Farquhar, Belgrave Square, London, in 1925. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This fork of ivory and steel represents King Charles II (1630-1685; r. 1660-85), crowned and holding a sceptre. The object is likely to be contemporary with his reign. 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 | M.65-1925 |
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| Record created | April 18, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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