Brass Snuffers

Chogawi, also called chokhyeop, is a pair of snuffers used for trimming candlewick. Though it was identical to typical scissors in structure, its blades were wide and rimmed to catch the trimmed candle and wick. The handles were sometimes decorated with various designs. The snuffers shown here are made out of a brass slab. As its blades were made into semicircular shapes, the two blades fitted together to form a circle. Each semi-circular blade is rimmed with the same material to keep the cut candle and wick from falling. The end of the curved handle is shaped like a flower bud pointing outwards. Three engraved lines can be seen at both the front and back sides of the handle, but the rim is attached only to the front side of the blade. The rimless back side of the blade, which is in direct contact with the candlelight, shows signs of being blackened by soot.