Traveling Knife and Chopstick Set with Bone Inlay

This elegant set of eating utensils dates to the mid-19th century and would have accompanied a well-to-do traveler on a long cross-country journey. The set includes a pair of ivory chopsticks and a long blade with a highly decorated handle. The handle and scabbard having matching designs, both crafted of blackwood with brass and bone inlay of Buddhist and Taoist symbols, including the parasol, golden fish, infinite knot, and double gourd. We've elevated this Qing-dynasty traveling set on a custom steel mount for display as a storied sculptural object.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.