Chinese Fisherman's Knife

Striped cream and tan like a sun-bleached tusk, finished with a curly hook.

This fisherman's knife is from Dongbei or Shan Xi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is iron, wood & horn. Horn is a durable material often used for handles and fittings, since it can be heated, shaped and polished and holds up well in wet conditions. Broad curved body in pale tan with fine dark streaks along the grain. A round metal boss sits near the top, with a dark curled hook extending to the right. It is 12.5 inches wide and 1.25 deep.

Plainly handsome, with a flourish at one end.