Paper Knives thumbnail 1
Paper Knives thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Paper Knives

c. 1850 (made)
Place of origin
Ahmedabad (made)

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. These paper knives were 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
Gemstones
Hardstone
Stationery
India Museum
Object type
Paper knives
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Paper Knife
  • Paper Knife
  • Paper Knife
Materials and techniques
Moss agate, cut & polished using abrasives.
Moss Agate
Brief description
Three paper knives, green moss agate, integral shaped and lightly engraved handles, all broken into two or three pieces, Ahmedabad India, 19th century
Physical description
Three paper knives with rounded or gently pointed tips and integral handles bearing lightly engraved decoration. Each piece has been broken into 2 or 3 pieces and attempts to repair them have failed.
Dimensions
  • 01395( is) length: 238mm (+/- 1) (Note: Approximate overall length)
  • 01395( is) length: 143mm (+/- 1) (Note: Apprximate length of blade)
  • 01395( is) width: 21.4 to 22.8mm (Note: Width of blade)
  • 01395( is) thickness: 2.9 to 4.0mm (Note: Thickness of blade)
  • 01395 a ( is) length: 180mm (+/- 1) (Note: Approximate overall length)
  • 01395 a ( is) length: 114.5mm (Note: Length of blade)
  • 01395 a ( is) width: 19.0 to 19.8mm (Note: Width of blade)
  • 01395 a ( is) thickness: 2.8 to 4.4mm (Note: Thickness of blade)
  • 01395 b ( is) length: 183mm (+/- 1) (Note: Approximate overall length)
  • 01395 b ( is) length: 111.0mm (Note: Length of blade)
  • 01395 b ( is) width: 19.2 to 20.0mm (Note: Width of blade)
  • 01395 b ( is) thickness: 2.7 to 3.0mm (Note: Thickness of blade)
Object history
These paper knives were made in Ahmedabad in the mid-19th century. They were 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 .] '01,395. PAPER KNIVES, three. Moss agate. 12,795'
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. These paper knives were 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.
Other number
12,795 - India Museum Slip Book
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
01395(IS) to 01395B/(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O450746/paper-knives/
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