16th-century Silver And Porphyry Fork

16th-century silver and porphyry fork

Made in Northern Italy, circa 1550

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

The sculpted silver joint connecting the handle to the head features a baluster/molded knot motif, very typical of late Renaissance and Mannerist silverwork (Northern Italy)
The base of the tines is adorned with a cartouche engraved with a network of trellises and leafy volutes, emblematic of the decorative repertoire of the 16th and early 17th centuries.

In the 16th century, everyday forks generally had 2 or 3 tines (used primarily for piercing candied fruit or hot meats, or to keep one’s fingers clean).
Although four-pronged forks were rarer in the 16th century, they were found among Italian and German ceremonial cutlery sets.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 2 x 2 cm


Provenance: - Private collection in Paris

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