Relatively rare, this tanto comes from a large Japanese family as evidenced by the different elements that compose it. The entirely gold and brown lacquered scabbard with stylized clouds presents 2 mons from the Tokugawa and Matsudaira families. A dragon, made of silvered copper, crosses this sheath in several parts. The tsuka covered with shagreen has a frame also in silvered copper, finely chiseled, as well as the other frames up to the kojiri...
A Japanese bronze Wakizashi (short sword) from Edo Period (1603-1868). It comes with a Tokugawa symbol - the “Triple Hollyhock”.
19th century Japanese sword menuki of Benkei carrying a huge temple bell on his back, currently mounted as a pin. Benkei was a famous 12th century yamabushi (warrior priest), and one of his daring exploits was the theft of the bell of Miidera which he carried to his monastery on the top of the hill.. Very clever design, wonderful detailing, metal appears to be silver with gold wash (worn). Height 1 inch.
19th century Japanese bronze kozuka (sword knife) handle depicting a dragon wrapped around a temple sword with Buddhist thunderbolt handle, all on finely textured ground called nanako, which means “fish-eggs” as it resembles fine rows of caviar. Excellently designed clever piece, fantastic level of detail (see the face, claws and crisp scales of the creature), beautiful wear to gilding...
Antique Japanese jingasa (samurai war hat). Carved of wood and lacquered black with many raised plates and upturned rim. This shape of bajo-jingasa was developed to be worn by warriors on horseback. The underside is lacquered black and his metal eyelets intended for cord. Age Edo Age - 19th century
Dimensions: 6 1/2" high x 16 1/4" long x 12 3/8" wide
Antique Japanese uma-jirushi, flag standard for battle. This uma-jirushi is in the shape of a large war sensu (folding war fan). Made of gold and black lacquered paper and lacquered wood. The front and back with round circle motif in alternating gold on black on one side and black on gold on the other. Mounted on a metal stand.
Age: Edo Period (18th century)
Dimensions: 51" high x 25" wide
Japanese antique 15 ken (plates) jingasa hat for a ashigaru foot soldier. Made of iron with large rivets and edged with oxidized silver. Comes with a custom metal stand.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather.
Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)
Dimensions: 23" high (including stand) x 15 1/4" wide
18th century Japanese iron kozuka (sword knife) handle with low relief decoration of several shishi (Buddhist lions) frolicking among blooming peonies. Difficult to photograph, good quality work with gilded highlights, some rust, very pleasant feel of age. Length 3.84 inches.
Very unusual late 18th to early 19th century Japanese sword bronze tsuba with cloisonne decoration of a dragon and a tiger about to engage in a fight, the back with design of bamboo and flowering prunus. Wonderful pairing of the two most powerful animals, beautiful crisp work, in excellent condition. Comes in kiriwood box. Height 2.79 inches, width 2.77 inches.
Unusually large 18th century or earlier Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced decoration of three dragons fighting among scrolling vines. Strong early piece with numerous perforations and three dimensional work, crisp detailing, gilding, excellent wear and patina consistent with age. Height 3.63 inches, width 3..44 inches.
Early 19th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced decoration of water dragons contesting tama (Precious Gems). Strong early piece with numerous perforations, gilding, wear and patina consistent with age. Diameter 2.93 inches.
Early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba for tanto with raised and inlaid decoration of a shojo dreamily looking at a huge pearl on a rock in front of it, a paddle with wet working end at the end of the rock. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, who are particularly fond of sake. Excellent design, great quality inlays - see the silver inlay on the paddle indicating that it is wet, beautifully inlaid textile patterns, excellent patina. Height 2 1/4 inches.
18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba inlaid with cloisonne flowers, brass scrolls and cloisonne mon (crests) of the Tokugawa clan and containing three aoi (hollyhock) leaves. Strong early piece with very good work, wear and patina consistent with age. Height 3.2 inches, width 3 inches.
18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced design of “hundred monkeys”, all in different attitudes. Excellent early piece with numerous perforations requiring enormous amount of work, precise detailing, gilded eyes of the creatures, wear and patina consistent with age. Height 2.74 inches, width 2.7 inches.
18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced design of four roundels with crosses among scrolling vines. Crosses may be namban (Christian) symbols or the mon (samurai family crest) of the Shimazu clan of Satsuma province. Excellent early piece with numerous perforations requiring enormous amount of work, precise detailing, gilding, wear and patina consistent with age. Height 3.06 inches, width 2.71 inches.
18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced decoration of chi dragons contesting tama (Precious Gems) among scrolling clouds. Strong early piece with numerous perforations and three dimensional work, gilding, wear and patina consistent with age. Height 2.82 inches, width 2.58 inches.
Pair of 19th century Goto School menuki - Japanese sword fittings - each depicting a puppy with collar in different attitude. Superbly beautiful shakudo with characteristic black surface, crisp casting and detailing, wonderful patina. Come in very well made fitted kiriwood box. Length 0.8 inches.
Pair of early 19th century Goto School menuki - Japanese sword fittings - each depicting a scholar, one with a scroll, the other with fan. Great design, extraordinary detailing with gold and silver inlays, beautiful patina. Come in very well made fitted kiriwood box. Length 1.18 inches.