Description:

East Asia, Japan, Meiji Period, ca. 1868 to 1912 CE. A fine set of 11 carbon steel kotagana, small by-knives inserted within the folds of a wakizashi scabbard cord (sageo) used as an eating/cooking utensil or as a small throwing weapon. Each knife has a thick spine which gently tapers towards a pointed tip, and a impressed signature of three Japanese characters adorns the left side of each blade. A cast-copper handle (kozuka) is inserted over the thin knife tangs and display wondrous scenes of dragons - some fighting a bear, some flying through the clouds, some laying peacefully among a field of smaller animals, and some wrapped around the shaft of an enormous Tibetan vajra - with scattered areas of gilded embellishment. Size (all are relatively similar): 0.65" W x 8.25" H (1.7 cm x 21 cm).

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140799

  • Condition: Some knives have slight bending to blade forms, minor softening to handle details and signatures, and light oxidation, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout, and nice patina to copper handles.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 6, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000