Scissors: Detail from Christ appearing to the Virgin, Setúbal, by Gregório Lopes, 16th century AD

The scissors with their attractively looped handles are seen in the panel with Christ appearing to the Virgin. In Medieval times, weavers and textile workers had used iron shears, much simpler devices. Scissors, designed for much finer work and materials, had to be made of steel and were still a curiosity in 16th century Europe.