Museum Collections
Luce Center
Knife box and cutlery (53 pieces)
Object Number:
1956.134a-bbb
Date:
1770-1800
Medium:
Mahogany, mahogany veneer, satinwood; oak
Dimensions:
Overall: 15 3/8 x 8 7/8 x 11 1/4 in. ( 39.1 x 22.5 x 28.6 cm )
Marks:
stamped: on knife blades: "JOSEPH RODGERS & SONS/CUTLERS TO HER MAJESTY"
Description:
Mahogany Hepplewhite knife box with satinwood inlay; slanted top outlined with stringing; front with ovolo corners decorated with vertical bands of inlay; front panel with stringing and silver escutcheon; lower edge with sawtooth inlay; raised on three turned feet. Interior of box has inlaid paterae and banding on inside of lid; main compartment has 47 cut-outs to accomodate cutlery. Knife box house 1 knife sharpener (bbb), 2 large forks (b,c), 8 medium-size forks (d-k), 23 small forks (l-z, aa-hh), 16 large knives (ii-xx), and 3 small knives (yy-aaa). Cutlery has steel blades/tines and wood handles painted green to simulate jade.
Gallery Label:
Knife boxes of this type were typically made in pairs and displayed on Hepplewhite sideboards.
Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. Bayard Verplanck
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.