See more objects with the tag decoration, figures, dining, grotesques, scrolls, mask, silver, leaves, eating, cutlery, forks, spoons.

See more objects with the color darkslategrey firebrick grey navajowhite sienna or see all the colors for this object.

This object is the first item in a set that contains 2 objects.

Object Timeline

-0001

1985

  • We acquired this object.

2012

2014

2024

  • You found it!

Fork And Spoon (Germany)

This is a Fork and spoon. It is dated 1600–30 and we acquired it in 1985. Its medium is carved coral, gilt silver. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Eating utensils were personal traveling accessories until the late 17th century. Luxurious materials reflected the owner’s taste and wealth. The natural red of the carved coral makes a colorful counterpoint to the gilded silver, while the gold also had a practical use: preventing tarnishing from acidic foods.

This object was donated by Eleanor L. Metzenberg. It is credited The Robert L. Metzenberg Collection, gift of Eleanor L. Metzenberg.

  • Comb (Italy)
  • cut and steam-bent tortoiseshell, gilt silver, carved coral.
  • Gift of the estate and in memory of Robert B. Noyes.
  • 1946-50-70
  • Plate
  • tin-glazed earthenware.
  • Gift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw.
  • 2017-20-9

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (Fork): 19 x 1.7 cm (7 1/2 x 11/16 in.) H x W x D (Spoon): 19.5 x 4.9 cm (7 11/16 x 1 15/16 in.)

It has the following markings

On shoulder of fork: embellished "N" within oval contour, flattened on top

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Making Design.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18705867/ |title=Fork And Spoon (Germany) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=25 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>