Antique Chocolate Cutter Wood Shavings Knife Folk Art 18th Century

Wooden chocolate cutter (for making chocolate shavings*), anthropomorphic lever knife outlining a stylized character, turned wooden handle, 18th century Folk Art work. This chocolate cutter is in good general condition. The blade is marked (illegible). Please note: slight traces of oxidation on the iron, cracks and accidents of time on the wood, wear and tear from use see photos. * During the Ancien Régime, cocoa was mainly consumed in the form of hot chocolate. Cocoa paste is prepared with the beans. Then, cane sugar and spices are added, before pressing the paste into wooden or tin molds. Chocolate bars come out of these molds, which are then cut into large shavings. These shavings are then left to melt in water (or milk) in a chocolate maker, before frothing everything using a mill. The hot chocolate is then ready to be enjoyed. Chocolate is thus a very thick drink, which is generally accompanied by a glass of water... Dimensions Max width 17 cm / thickness 4.5 cm Length 35 cm / knife 24 cm Reference: 400 326 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com