Music on a Knife's Edge - Exquisite Engraving on Cutlery from Museum Collections (Video)
Knives, on the blades of which are engraved with scores of old music, are in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museums in London and Fitzwilliam in Cambridge. These rare exhibits are reminiscent of the Renaissance.
knives blades are made of gilded steel. Their handles are made of ivory, decorated with brass and silver. On one side of the instruments, there are notes for the performance of the prayer for the blessing of food. On the other - words of gratitude are spelled out.
Scientists still do not understand the practical use of these cutlery. They believe that it is unlikely that a wealthy Italian family bought such exquisite products just to cut bread or spread butter.
Most likely, knives with engraved scores were used for some special occasions. According to the museum expert, the width of the blade indicates that they were cutting meat and serving the participants of the meal.
As for the engraving, it could be "read" in full and played only after all the knives were put together. For this, the scientists required the help of the Royal College of Music.
The knives engraved with the score of the piece have yet to be explored in detail. This is due to the fact that experts constantly have new ideas and interpretations.
[video = "- mai-7WUbBo"]
knives blades are made of gilded steel. Their handles are made of ivory, decorated with brass and silver. On one side of the instruments, there are notes for the performance of the prayer for the blessing of food. On the other - words of gratitude are spelled out.
Scientists still do not understand the practical use of these cutlery. They believe that it is unlikely that a wealthy Italian family bought such exquisite products just to cut bread or spread butter.
Most likely, knives with engraved scores were used for some special occasions. According to the museum expert, the width of the blade indicates that they were cutting meat and serving the participants of the meal.
As for the engraving, it could be "read" in full and played only after all the knives were put together. For this, the scientists required the help of the Royal College of Music.
The knives engraved with the score of the piece have yet to be explored in detail. This is due to the fact that experts constantly have new ideas and interpretations.
[video = "- mai-7WUbBo"]
