Chinese Silver Mounted Letter Opener

A charming early 20th-century Chinese letter opener featuring a finely carved bone handle in the form of a stylized horse. The handle, sculpted in low relief, is detailed with a flowing mane and expressive facial features, complete with inlaid dark eyes.
The bone carving is joined to the blade with a chased silver ferrule adorned in floral relief, adding a delicate decorative accent to this functional object. The blade itself is also fashioned from bone, gently tapered and smoothed to a flat edge for easily opening correspondence.

This letter opener beautifully blends artistry and utility! It exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of decorative Chinese export objects made for the scholar’s desk.