Knife Box

Art Historical Context

This elegant knife box, crafted between 1765 and 1795 by Daniel Fueter Jr. and Lewis Fueter, reflects the refined tastes of colonial and early American households. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s American Wing, the piece would have held silverware in a prosperous dining room, both practical and decorative purposes during a time when such items signaled social standing and attention to domestic ritual. The box is constructed from mahogany and mahogany veneer over white pine and tulip poplar, materials chosen for their rich grain and durability. These woods allowed artisans to create smooth surfaces and subtle contrasts that highlight the natural beauty of the timber, a hallmark of high-quality American furniture from the period. As a functional object elevated to art, the knife box illustrates how everyday household items in 18th-century America blended utility with sophisticated design, preserving a glimpse into the era’s material culture and craftsmanship.

About the Artist

Daniel Fueter Jr.|Lewis Fueter ( |American) · 1766 |1783 –1775 |1806

active ca. 1769–75|active ca. 1786–1806