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Iron Razor or Folding Knife with Ivory Handle

Roman Period
2nd–4th century CE
Not on view
The ivory handle has a tiger or panther carved three dimensionally on the outer edge. On its face is Herakles with his club, resting after cleaning the Augean stables. On the lower right is the container he used to capture the river water, which, according to the myth, he diverted for that purpose. Notched decoration occurs at the lower edge, and notched and crossed decoration is visible on the back. An iron blade extends almost two-thirds of the way into the handle, although the blade and details of its fitting are obscured by heavy corrosion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Iron Razor or Folding Knife with Ivory Handle
  • Period: Roman Period
  • Date: 2nd–4th century CE
  • Geography: From Egypt or Italy
  • Medium: Ivory, iron
  • Dimensions: L. 9 × W. 7.5 cm (3 9/16 × 2 15/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1300
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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