Set of South German Presentation Cutlery

Period: 1600-1700

Origin: Germany

Medium: Boxwood, Steel

Literature: The exceptional quality, naturalism and accuracy of these carved boxwood figures suggest that the artist was working from contemporary engravings. Carefully carved in the round and rich in detail the set was most probably made as a prestigious wedding present. From the 16th century onwards husbands often made gifts of cutlery to their newly wed brides. However during the 16th century the gift would have consisted solely of knives as the fork only came into common use during the course of the 17th century. It took time to gain acceptance as the fork had once been thought of as an attribute of the Devil, and in the Middle Ages held to be a symbol of vanity. The knife however was indispensable at table with each household possessing at least one, which was often used by several people during the course of a meal.