Antique Silver and Porphyry Fork, 1500s

Details

Description

16th-Century Silver and Porphyry Fork

Northern Italian work, circa 1550

The cylindrical handle of red/purple porphyry (a volcanic hard stone) … Read more 16th-Century Silver and Porphyry Fork

Northern Italian work, circa 1550

The cylindrical handle of red/purple porphyry (a volcanic hard stone) is an extremely prestigious material.
During the Renaissance (16th century) and up to the 17th century, porphyry—an imperial and royal symbol since Roman antiquity—was reserved for princely works of art.

The carved silver joint that connects the handle to the tines features a molded baluster/knot motif, very typical of late Renaissance and Mannerist (Northern Italy) metalwork.
The base of the tines is decorated with a cartouche engraved with a network of crosshatching/trellis and foliate scrolls, emblematic of the decorative repertoire of the 16th and early 17th centuries.

In the 16th century, everyday forks generally had two or three tines (primarily used for spearing candied fruit, hot meats, or to avoid getting fingers dirty).

Although four-tine forks were less common in the 16th century, they did exist in Italian and German ceremonial tableware.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 2 x 2 cm

Provenance: - Private collection, Paris See less