Objects

A sardine spatula made of metal alloy, covered with a thin layer of silver coating (plated). The spatula features three regularly spaced, vertical holes. The spatula tapers downwards and widens towards the shaft. Visible signs of use: patina, abrasion of the coating, surface scratches. The shaft is flattened, with a rounded end.

Fish tableware was richly decorated. According to J. Paprocka-Gajek: "[...] The fish had to be separated on the platter with a special dissection set (for selecting nice pieces of fish or meat from among the bones or fishbones) and then scooped individually with a fish spatula. It was then eaten with a fork" ("Platery warszawskie w latach 1822-1914", Warsaw 2010). The diners would try to leave fishbones on the plate or put them away in a special bowl, e.g. one shaped like a seashell. Usually, such tableware pieces were only present in more affluent homes. Plates used for eating fish were replaced very often.

Natalia Różańska