"Letter Opener"
Bone letter opener, forming part of the "literate objects", that is to say the instruments necessary for calligraphy and painting, arts dear to the literate class in Classical China. Affecting the shape of a short dagger in its sheath, the letter opener has a double decoration: one side evokes the earth, with little monkeys frolic in palm trees, the other side the sea, with shells and crustaceans. The ornamentation of the blade takes up these same themes. We will notice the vigorous virtuosity of the sculpture, enhanced by a discreet use of color. The relief is clearly accentuated. The terrestrial scenes are treated with humor. A beautiful collector's item, reflecting the personality of the man for whom it was intended. 
