A CHINESE KNIFE WITH A CLOISONNE SHEATH QING DYNASTY The handle pale celadon jade

A CHINESE KNIFE WITH A CLOISONNE SHEATH

QING DYNASTY

The handle pale celadon jade, the sheath decorated with stylised bats amidst clouds on a turquoise ground, 27cm. (2)

The use of knives at meals was a mark of Manchu identity. When eating sacrificial pork, men and women were expected to cut up their own meat. Knives and other eating utensils often formed part of the dowries of princesses.