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 | Agate, cut and polished using abrasives |
| Brief description | Paper knife, rounded tip, broken with handle missing, grey agate, polished, Ahmedabad India, 19th century |
| Physical description | A paper knife with a rounded tip, and originally with an integral, shaped handle with channel-engraving. The handle has been broken off and is now missing. Fashioned in translucent grey 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 01,394. PAPER KNIVES, three. White 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 | 01393(IS) |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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