Antique Ornate/Fine Japan/Japanese Meiji Letter-Opener, Book-Page Knife Bronze

Here is a very nice Japanese Paper Knife ca. These knives were meant to turn pages/slice pages of woodblock prints (or in modern use: a letter opener). Before modern book binding was created, the pages were printed on a long sheet, then folded accordian-style and bound, leaving the end-user to complete this laborious work. Books were held in high esteem and an elaborate paper knife was a valued tool. This blade is intentionally dull.

The patina is excellent and fully present, with leathery shades and textures. Bronze handle and bronze blade with ornate hand-etched carvings of birds and flowers. Please note the line on the blade as it meets the handle is NOT a crack, but rather just more of the hand-etching that looks to have been covered by the handle in the end.

11" L x 1.25" W at the widest part blade. The casting on the handle has very fine detailing and was done by an expert craftsman. Handle is covered in Japanese masks... Each of the characters has a long back story; One of my favorites is this one (Okame). The character depicted is Okame...

Often depicted with a cat. Okame; also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female counterpart of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theater pair. She is considered to be the goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art. Her full cheeks and merry eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold. Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the first Okame masks were created, they may have represented an idealized form of feminine beauty. Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands. In contrast, a famous and contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding night. All Okame masks dramatize the plumpness of the happy-satisfied woman's cheeks. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Other Japanese Antiques".

The seller is "cosmic_goods" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Primary Material: Bronze
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Material: Bronze
• Featured Refinements: Antique Paper Book Knife
• Region of Origin: Japan
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
• Age: 1850-1899
• Handmade: Yes

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