Four 19th C. Japanese Wood & Gilt Copper Paper Knives (Auction 2026-05-15, Lot 118)

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East Asia, Japan, Meiji era, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A collection of four implements commonly referred to as “page turners,” but in fact are paper knives, with dull edges used to open uncut book pages, crafted from carved wood, brass, and copper with slender blades and ornate handles. One example with a wood blade and copper handle depicts an oni demon lifting a vessel overhead with accents in gold gilt, while another combines a wood blade with a brass and copper handle showing a dynamic figure, likely Fujin, holding an open sack amid swirling clouds. A third features a brass handle cast with insects including a rhinoceros beetle, dragonfly, and butterfly in layered relief, and the fourth presents a brass blade with a copper handle showing a basket of flowers with birds, reversed with a robed woman beneath bamboo. Size of largest: 12″ L x 1″ W (30.5 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 11% to 32%

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

Light scratches and minor abrasions to blades, with areas of oxidation and patina to brass and copper elements. Insect handle panel has been reattached, and seam edges are not flush.