Trencher (one of a set)

late 16th–early 17th century
Not on view
Banquets usually ended with candied fruits or other sweetmeats served on such decorative "spice dishes" of silver or wood. The gold effects were achieved with yellow varnish over a layer of silver-leaf. The verses were written in Black Letter script, with elaborate capital letters in Lombardic script. The verses, either amusing or moralizing, were shared with the other diners.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Trencher (one of a set)
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Oak and sycamore woods, painted, silvered and yellow varnished; inscription: ink (animal or vegetable)
  • Dimensions: Diameter: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
  • Classification: Natural Substances
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.101.1572
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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