Knife, fork, and skewer needle with case
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Steel, shagreen, silver, horn or ivory
Dimensions
Length (case .16a): 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Length (knife .16b): 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm); Length (fork .16c): 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); Length (skewer needle .16d): 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Steel
Culture
possibly Flemish
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of R. Stuyvesant, 1891
Accession Number
91.16.16a–d
Art Historical Context
This elegant 18th-century traveling cutlery set, comprising a knife, fork, skewer, and fitted case, the refined craftsmanship of European arts, possibly from Flemish. Crafted from polished steel blades for the cutting tools, with handles of luxurious shagreen—a textured ray skin prized for its durability and grip—accented by silver mounts and horn or ivory grips, the set measures up to nearly 10 inches long. Housed in a compact case just 7½ inches, it was designed for portability, reflecting the era's emphasis on personal hygiene and sophistication during travel. In the 18th century, as table...