Folding Traveling Knife with Ivory Handle
1535â50
Classification
cutlery
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
The Robert L. Metzenberg Collection, gift of Eleanor L. Metzenberg
Accession Number
1985-103-178
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step back to the Renaissance era with this exquisite **Folding Traveling Knife with Handle**, crafted between 1535 and 1550. In an age when personal cutlery was a traveler's essential—long before forks or table settings were commonplace—this clever folding design offered portability and convenience. The smooth ivory handle speaks to its status as a luxury item, likely owned by merchants, explorers, or nobility on the move across Europe. Ivory, prized for its durability and creamy elegance, was a hallmark of fine craftsmanship in the 16th century, often sourced from distant trade routes. This ...
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...