A CHINESE KNIFE WITH A CLOISONNE SCABBARD AND JADEITE HANDLE QIANLONG 1736-95 The scabbard...

A CHINESE KNIFE WITH A CLOISONNE SCABBARD AND JADEITE HANDLE QIANLONG 1736-95 The scabbard decorated with stylised bats amidst clouds on a turquoise ground, the gilt bronze mounts with key fret bands, 27cm. (2) Provenance: from the collection of Mr George Athenogenes, London. 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.