Gold Inlaid Calligraphers Scissors – Ottoman Empire

Accurate scissors were  always part of the Calligrapher tools set. They were used to precisely  cut  paper sheets to the correct size for Koran or other books and documents prior to the binding. To perform this task precisely the scissors has to have narrow long blades tightly connected. In a way this shape may look like a blade of a dagger and not surprisingly such scissors are some time called “Dagger scissors” and although not really a weapon the are many times displayed and cataloged as part of arms and armor collections. As in many other tools from the period, a lot of effort was invested in decorating the scissors.

The scissors offered here are exactly as expected: Long and narrow blades tightly connected. The twin fullers on each blade emphasize the similarity to a dagger. The blades are lavishly gold inlaid.

Blades 6 1/2 inches (16 cm) long. Total length 10 inches (26 cm). Very good plus condition. Authentic 19 C. tool / blade from the Ottoman empire.

For similar scissors see:

Metropolitan Museum NY accession number 91.1.906

Aga Khan Museum  Accession Number:AKM622.2