Fish Serving Knife and Fork, "Dolphin" Pattern Manufacturer: Tiffany and Company (American, founded 1837)

1883

American Decorative Arts

On view, 1st floor, American Decorative Arts before 1900

This very ornate knife and fork for serving fish is an example of the eclecticism that characterized so much late nineteenth-century design. Produced by Tiffany and Company, the pattern is known as Dolphin and the front of the handles are decorated with classic eighteenth-century ornament associated with grottoes—cattails, shell, dolphins, and a flowing water source. The reverse, however, incorporates mussel shells and seaweed, decorative elements that draw their inspiration from Japonism.

Medium

Sterling silver

Dimensions

Knife: 13 1/8 in. (33.338 cm)
Fork: 10 1/2 in. (26.67 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Ann and Gilbert H. Kinney, B.A. 1953, M.A. 1954

Accession Number

2007.155.2.1-.2

Geography

Manufactured in New York, New York

Culture

American

Period

19th century

Classification

Flatware

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Christie's, New York, sale 7000, The Highly Important American Furniture, Silver, Folk Arts, and Decorative Arts, 20 January 1990, lot 173; by sale to Gilbert H. Kinney, Washington, D. C.; gift to Yale University Art Gallery 2007.
Bibliography
  • "Acquisitions, July 1, 2007–June 30, 2008," Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin (2008), 171
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

fish forks (place forks), fish knives

Marks

Stamped on the back of each shaft "TIFFANY & CO. STERLING 1883.M"

Inscriptions

Each engraved with stylized foiliage and monogram "EN."

Technical metadata and APIs

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