Page 249 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

255 | A TANTO IN
SUPERB IVORY
AND SHIBAYAMA
KOSHIRAE
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The blade of the tanto with
horimono incised on both sides
with a fierce dragon. The koshirae
is superb and made from ivory
with dense and masterful inlays in
Shibayama of stained ivory, horn,
silver, coral and mother of pearl.
One side with a crane in front of
colorful blossoms and leaves, while
the other shows a pheasant on an
old tree with similar foliage as on
the reverse. The handle shows a
basket on top of a stand, filled with
flowers and leaves, and a perched
small bird. The back of the handle
shows a basket with many flowers
and leaves hanging from a gnarly
branch. The inset and original
kozuka is similarly decorated with
Shibayama inlays of flowers and
leaves.
LENGTH 35 cm

Condition: Minimal wear and soiling,
the inlay work on the tanto koshirae
in absolutely original and in perfect
condition with not a single piece
of inlay missing or replaced. Some
later polishing to the blade as well
as minor traces of corrosion. The
kozuka with very few tiny losses to
the inlays.
Provenance: From a notable French
collection.

AUCTION
COMPARISON
A similar tanto was
sold by Christie’s,
Japanese Art &
Design Including
Arts of the Samurai,
9 November 2011,
London, lot 265
(sold for
7,500 GBP).

Estimate EUR 4,000
Starting price EUR 2,000

243