Cutlery with mosaic glass handles, ca. 1680–1700
Mosaic glass, fused; silver mounts, steel blades
(L x Ø) (Gabel)21,9 × 2 cm
(L x Ø) (Messer)24,1 × 2 cm
Place of originFrance
Place of originVenezia
About the workUntil the end of the seventeenth century, it was common in Europe to have your own set of cutlery, which would be used by you alone. Even in later periods, this cutlery would still be used when travelling. The choice of materials expressed your wealth. Glass was not a valuable material in itself, but this densely fused mosaic of highly detailed patterns was a precious curiosity. The Italian word “millefiori” means “a thousand flowers”. The fork with curved prongs did not become popular in Europe until the seventeenth century. It is basically a spoon that has been sawn down into a fork.
AccessionAcquisition 2008 with funds from the bequest of Ingrid Brock
Inventory numberGl mkp 2008-3 a,b
