Dessert Knife with Mother-of-pearl Handle
1819â38
Classification
cutlery
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thompson in memory of Mr. and Mrs. G. Auclair
Accession Number
1990-67-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant **Dessert Knife with Mother-of-Pearl Handle**, crafted between 1819 and 1838, offers a glimpse into early th-century American domestic life during the young nation's Federal period. Dessert knives like this were essential components of refined table settings, used for serving sweets after formal meals—a ritual that underscored social status and hospitality in growing urban households. The standout feature is its lustrous mother-of-pear handle, a prized natural material sourced from seashells and prized for its iridescent sheen and durability. Often paired with silver or steel bla...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...