Trivulzio set of knives (12 knives with carving knife) Detail of

The set of table knives with carving knife, although composed of
pieces from different sets, is homogeneous for area of ​​origin and dating. These knives are characterised by the
decoration on their handles, done with the niello
technique (a surface finishing process for gold and silver objects, also known
as "black finish" from the opaque black colour of the treated parts,
which are first engraved and then filled with a dark material). Decorative themes represent bunches of grapes,
half-busts of female and male figures in profile, moralising mottoes and
serpentine engravings on the spine.
The handle is finished with an ornamental pinecone motif. The
decorative themes suggest that the pieces were made for a wedding, as the text
of some inscriptions indicates: "FINCHÈ
VIVO"; "DA POI LA MORTE"; "IN TI SOLA"; "DUM
VIVAM"; "CHON FEDE"; "FIDELITAS ET AMOR"; "NULUS
AMOR DURAT" "SPERO LUCEM".