A Chinese trousse with case – Antiques by the Sea

A Chinese trousse with case

Trousse’s or eating sets were commonly used by the Chinese, especially the Manchu since the 18th century. During the reign of emperor Qianlong (1735-1796) the Manchu were forbidden to eat pre-cut meat because of the strict Manchu tradition of eating in the rough outdoors. Being able to cut flesh straight from the animal was considered as an important tradition. During the late 18th and 19th century many people wore eating sets of a wide variety in quality.

China, 19th century or older

Materials: Hardwood,Steel, Brass, Ivory (Elephas Maximus), Paktong, Silk.

Status: Sold

An elegant Chinese trousse with silk case.

Description

A very fine example of a Chinese trousse or eating set containing a very well made knife, ivory chopsticks and a wooden case with paktong fittings.
The eating sets were commonly worn by the Chinese and vary in quality.

This example has a knife with long stretched blade. The handle is made of ivory. The handle consists of two ivory slabs revited together and decorated with paktong fittings. The pommel is made of paktong (Berlin silver). The blade shows a fine cutting edge and spine and is decorated with Manchu script. The old patinated ivory chopsticks are in round form and fit in the scabbard. The scabbard is made of lovely patinated hardwood with Paktong fittings. The scabbard has one suspension ring.

The case:
An antique embroidered fan case was used to fit in this trousse, according to Henri Moser, this was used often to carry the utensils in a fashionable way. The case shows a variety of auspicious symbols, floral motives and precious objects.

Conclusion:

A fine example of a Chinese trousse with good age. The combination with the fan case makes it a very nice ensemble.

Condition: Good condition, minimal signs of use, some minor loose on the brass wire on the case. The ivory slabs have some cracks due to age and use, a small piece of wood is missing from the scabbard.

Dimensions:

Total length: 38cm
Blade: 23.7cm
Handle: 13cm
Chopsticks: 27.7cm
Case: 32cm

Notes:

Henri Moser: Henri Moser’s Collections: Catalogue of Oriental Arms and Armour, Charlottenfels, Switzerland, Published Karl W. Hiersemann, Leipzig 1912. Plate XXXII.

This item is made before 1900 and not violating the European law on trade in endangered species. For import to countries outside the European Union, custom rules check is adviced, ordering is agreement with the terms of use as seen in conditions.

Description

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