Not currently on display at the V&A

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 and polished using abrasives
Brief description
Paper knife, gently pointed tip, integral shaped handle, brownish red moss agate, polished, Ahmedabad India, 19th century
Physical description
A paper knife with a gently pointed tip and an integral, shaped handle. Fashioned in brownish red moss agate and polished.
Dimensions
  • 01400( is) length: 144.0mm (Note: Overall length)
  • 01400( is) length: 92.0mm (Note: Length of blade)
  • 01400( is) width: 17.8 to 18.4mm (Note: Width of blade)
  • 01400( is) thickness: 3.9 to 5.1mm (Note: Thickness of blade)
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 .] '01,397 to 01,401. PAPER KNIVES, five. 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
01400(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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