Nef (metalwork)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A nef is an extravagant table ornament and container of precious metals used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, made in the shape of a ship - "nef" was an alternative term in French for a carrack. If not just used for decoration, it could hold salt or spices, both very valuable in the Middle Ages, or cutlery or even napkins.
It was usually made of silver, silver-gilt or gold, often further embellished with enamel and jewels. A nautilus shell often formed the hull of the ship, as in the Burghley Nef illustrated. Some nefs had wheels to allow them to be rolled from one end of the table to the other, but most had legs or pedestals. The nef was placed in front of the most important person at table as a mark of their status.
[edit] Further reading
- Lightbown, R. W. Secular Goldsmith’s Work in Medieval France: A History. London: Society of Antiquaries of London, 1978.
- Oman, Charles. Medieval Silver Nefs. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1963.
- Truman, Charles. “Ships on Board.” Country Life vol. 183, no. 38 (1989): 218-221.
[edit] Sources
Steele, Philip (1995). Castles. New York: Kingfisher. p. 36. ISBN 1-85697-547-9.
[edit] External links
- Nefs in the Middle Ages and Renaissance Links to nefs in museums, as well as medieval illustrations of nefs, demonstrating the range of uses for pre-17th century nefs.
