Knife
ca. 1700 - ca. 1750 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ivory knife (of a pair with a fork - Mus. No. 437-1873) is made in the Netherlands in about 1700-1750. The handle depicts two female figures, representing Hope and Faith. With Faith and Charity, Hope is one of the three ‘theological virtues’ and in Christian art often shown with the attribute of an anchor.
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 | Ivory with steel and silver mounts |
Brief description | Knife, ivory with a silver ferrule, handle decorated with Faith & Hope, Netherlands, ca. 1700-1750 |
Physical description | Knife with a carved ivory handle depicting two female figures representing Faith & Hope, with a silver ferrule; the figure representing Hope, slightly forward supporting an anchor and a parrot in front of her, the figure representing Faith to the rear holding a cross. The blade, broken. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | '4 x s' (Cutler's mark) |
Object history | Bought in 1873 (vendor unrecorded). |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This ivory knife (of a pair with a fork - Mus. No. 437-1873) is made in the Netherlands in about 1700-1750. The handle depicts two female figures, representing Hope and Faith. With Faith and Charity, Hope is one of the three ‘theological virtues’ and in Christian art often shown with the attribute of an anchor. 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. |
Associated object | 437-1873 (Pair) |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 438-1873 |
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Record created | March 1, 2005 |
Record URL |
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