Chinese Fisherman's Knife

Streaked cream and honey, with a pierced end and a dark spine.

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. Curved form in pale golden tan with long dark streaks along its length and a hole through the thicker left end. A dark metal strip runs along the top, ending in a peak. It is 3.5 inches wide and 0.75 deep.

Weathered, striped and perfectly well balanced.