Antique Primitive Wooden Knife Tray with Handle stocking stuff (Deborah holds a Master's Degree

(Deborah holds a Master's Degree in French Literature from The University of Oregon and Jim is a graduate of Notre Dame University's Great Books Program

it features a terrific female figure at the top in a voluminous robe holding an opened book

These sorts of rigid paddle-shaped fans are called Uchiwa in Japanese

The reverse features a vertically striped black

No mark on back

Antique Primitive Wooden Knife Tray with Handle stocking stuff (Deborah holds a Master's DegreeI've become a huge fan of old primitive knife trays like this one, which I think have just a terrific form, and are also pretty handy! Originally used for holding cutlery, they're also great on the counter for sorting mail, in the studio for pens and pencils, or as catchalls for all sorts of odds and ends. This varnished one, which I believe dates to the mid to late 19th century, is wonderfully worn with a fantastic reddish brown patina and a great