Flemish Knife From The Late 15th–early 16th Century, With Bronze Pommels Engraved With Two Fools

Rare medieval knife of Flemish manufacture, dating from the late 15th or very early 16th century, notable for its two circular bronze pommels engraved with depictions of fools.

The knife is preserved entirely in its original condition, notably with its original wooden handle, a particularly interesting feature for this type of object. The steel blade bears a hallmark, while the handle is secured by two rivets. The ends of the handle are protected by two circular bronze pommels, engraved on both sides.

The exceptional interest of this piece lies in its unusual iconographic decoration. While knives from this period adorned with engraved guard rings frequently feature religious depictions or figures of saints, both sides of this knife are dedicated to secular figures of medieval fools.

The two figures are distinct: one depicts a young jester, while the other depicts an elderly, bearded jester. They are recognizable by their distinctive headdresses—the jester’s hood, whose ends take the form of protruding ears—a traditional attribute of medieval jester iconography.

Secular depictions on this type of knife are relatively rare, and the presence of two fools on both sides of the mitres constitutes a particularly original and uncommon iconography. The theme of the jester is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in medieval art history, notably through the exhibition “ Figures of the Jester, from the Middle Ages to the Romantics ,” presented at the Louvre in 2024–2025 and its comprehensive catalog.

Measuring 19 cm in length, with its beautiful patina and, above all, its remarkable state of preservation, this knife is a truly exquisite collector’s item—both rare due to its original condition and particularly interesting for its secular iconography.

Period: late 15th – early 16th century

Price excludes shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A203

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