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Toasting fork

1561
Not on view
One of only two known 16th-century toasting forks, this was used to toast apples, cheese, or "puddings" in front of a fire. The inlaid initials, outline of a railing, and a tun (a type of band) create a rebus that may refer to a member of the Railton family of Norfolk.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Toasting fork
  • Date: 1561
  • Culture: possibly British, Norfolk
  • Medium: Silver, exotic hardwood
  • Dimensions: Length: 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968
  • Object Number: 68.141.297
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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