Fine Chinese Eating Set (Trousse) Knife Chopsticks

A Chinese eating set (trousse), comprising a knife and chopsticks. This type of sets was very common in china and in all the countries under the Chinese influence from Tibet to Mongolia. It was part of a man formal dress up to the turn of the 20th century and usually accompanied with a variety of accessories like pickle spear, toothpicks, tweezers and the like. Similar sets are found in various sizes and quality.

This fine exemplar has a well forged blade of laminar construction and heat hardened edge. The blade is signed with gold inlaid (True inlay) signature. Horn  grips.  Scabbard is wood covered with Sting Ray skin, brass locket and ivory tip. An additional compartment includes an ivory toothpick and ear cleaner. Ivory chopsticks. Blade 7 inches, total length 12 inches. Very good condition. Minor patches of pitting on the blade.

For more information on these Chinese trousses see: Arts of Asia, Nov-Dec 1990, pages 156-159