Paige Dansinger

Knife, from a Two-Piece Cutlery Set

<p>Inspiration is an opportunity to cultivate awe, to share it is inspirational.</p>


knife with grey metal blade with gold inlay of five organic plantlike forms on one side of blade; top of short handle has hexagonal body with alternating grey and yellow metal incised panels; end of handle has piece of red coral left in its organic shape

This preciously decorated and extremely rare coral cutlery set from the late 1500s would have been only used on extraordinary occasions, such as a wedding, a knighting or a state visit. In the late Renaissance, the guests would typically bring their own cutlery to formal dinners. An expensively decorated cutlery set would have elicited the host's and other guests' admiration. Besides, coral was believed to be an antidote against poison. Therefore, in the view of its time this set of cutlery would have offered its bearer special protection during a meal at the table of a rival family or of an untrustworthy foreign ruler.

Paige Dansinger
Knife, from a Two-Piece Cutlery Set, iPad with self-designed drawing program

Inspired by:

Knife, from a two-piece cutlery set, 16th century — — Coral, brass, niello, silver, iron, gold

What does inspiration mean to you?

Connect with the artist

Paige Dansinger Knife, from a Two-Piece Cutlery Set, iPad with self-designed drawing program

Inspired by:

Knife, from a two-piece cutlery set, 16th century — — Coral, brass, niello, silver, iron, gold

What does inspiration mean to you?

Connect with the artist

Paige Dansinger
Knife, from a Two-Piece Cutlery Set, iPad with self-designed drawing program