A silver mounted boxwood cutlery sheath carved with scenes from the Old Testament.
Dutch, late 16th century.
Measures 20.5cm long.
The cutlery sheath is intricately carved in the round, featuring detailed depictions of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Adam and Eve, and Jacob wrestling with the angel on the front. These scenes are framed by caryatids and columns that support arches and banderoles inscribed with descriptions of the depicted events.
The reverse of the cutlery sheath is carved with the following Dutch script held by an angel:
‘DIE . GODES . GEBODEN . WILLEN . VER ACHTEN : SVLLEN . IN . HAERE . SONDE . VER SMACHTEN : DVS . O . MENSCH . WEEST . HIER . OP . VERDACH . DIE . HFER . COMPT . ALS . EEN . DIEF . INDER . NACHT : I . V . T . M . F :’
Which translates into English as:
‘THOSE WHO WANT TO DESPISE GOD’S COMMANDMENTS: FALL INTO HER SIN: SO . O MAN . BE . SUSPECTED . HERE . THAT . HE . COMES . AS . A . THIEF . IN . THE NIGHT : I . V . T . M . F :’
There are existing damages and losses: Adam is missing a leg and his head, while Eve is missing an arm. A visible crack runs along one side, and the angel has a partially missing face with signs of an older repair. Additionally, early twine repairs are present at the top and bottom.
Descriptions of the stories depicted:
The story of Abraham and Isaac is a pivotal moment in the Bible, symbolising faith and obedience. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a test of faith. Just as Abraham is about to carry out the sacrifice, an angel intervenes, stopping him and providing a ram as a substitute. This event, found in Genesis 22, highlights Abraham’s unwavering trust in God and serves as a powerful lesson on divine provision and devotion.
Adam and Eve are the first humans in the Bible, created by God to live in the Garden of Eden. They are given everything they need but are forbidden to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Tempted by the serpent, Eve eats the fruit and gives some to Adam, leading to their disobedience. As a result, they become aware of their nakedness and are banished from Eden, bringing sin and mortality into the world. Their story, found in Genesis 2–3, explains the origins of human nature, free will, and the consequences of disobedience.
The story of Jacob wrestling with the angel occurs in Genesis 32:22-32, when Jacob is returning home after years away and fears confronting his brother Esau. One night, he wrestles with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as an angel or even God. They struggle until dawn, and though Jacob is injured, he refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. The angel renames him Israel, meaning “one who struggles with God.” This encounter symbolizes perseverance, transformation, and the deepening of Jacob’s faith.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.
Matthew Holder does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.
Shipping will usually be made within 3 days of payment using a tracked and signed for service of Matthew Holder's choosing unless agreed otherwise.
Returns
We want you to be happy with your purchase, we therefore offer a 14 day money back guarantee.
In this case the item must be returned prior to any refund, in the condition in which it was sent.
We will not be responsible for any shipping costs incurred in the return of such items.
All sales are subject to our standard terms and conditions.
