Traveling Chopstick Set with Repoussé Fittings

This elegant set of eating utensils dates to the mid-19th century and would have accompanied the well-to-do traveler on a long, cross-country journey. The set originally included a pair of carved bone chopsticks and a long blade with a wooden handle. The knife handle and scabbard having matching designs, both crafted with decorative repoussé metalwork of celestial dragons flying amid swirling clouds. Darkened by a layer of burgundy lacquer, the traveling set has developed a rich patina from so many years of use and lives on as a fantastic storied object.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

One chopstick has been lost.