Paper Knife
c. 1850 (made)
| Place of origin |
Although agate is a tough and durable material, when it is worked to a fine edge or thickness it is vulnerable to damage when subjected to stress or impact. This paper knife was produced in Ahmedabad in Gujarat State, India in the mid- to late 19th century and the city continues to be a major gem cutting and trade centre.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Moss agate, cut & polished using abrasives. |
| Brief description | Paper knife, curved and pointed blade, single-edged, integral shaped handle with a small notch carved into edge, green and brownish red moss agate, polished, Ahmedabad India, 19th century |
| Physical description | A paper knife with a curved, single-edged blade with a pointed tip and an integral, shaped handle that has a notch at the edge near the end. Fashioned in green and brownish red moss agate, and polished. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | This paper knife was made in Ahmedabad in the mid-19th century. It was formerly in The India Museum in London and then transferred to the South Kensington Museum (later renamed The Victoria & Albert Museum) in 1879. 1880 Register Entry: [Room 8. Case .] '01,392 to 01,403. PAPER KNIVES, two. Carved blades, agate.' (No slip numbers given.) |
| Summary | Although agate is a tough and durable material, when it is worked to a fine edge or thickness it is vulnerable to damage when subjected to stress or impact. This paper knife was produced in Ahmedabad in Gujarat State, India in the mid- to late 19th century and the city continues to be a major gem cutting and trade centre. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 01403(IS) |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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