Four knives and a fork belonging to Emperor Charles V, anonymous, 1532

copper (metal), l 27.8cm × w 2.2cm × d 1.3cm More details

Charles V acquired this portable cutlery set in Italy. The two large knives bear his arms and the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Above this is the emperor’s crown and below it the Burgundian cross of Saint Andrew with the mythical pillars of Hercules (signifying the end of the world). They are all symbols of the emperor’s power.