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Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
sold SA1034504
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2012
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912
  • Trade Associations
    Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art is a registered member of BADA 
Id #SA1034504
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Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

19th century
Description

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptionally large and fine Meiji period 1868-1912, mixed metal mounted O- Tanto Wakizashi ,the iron scabbard mounted with an entwined silver dragon of exceptional quality, adorned with gilt flames emulating from its body and mounted with a scared jewel between its horns, the handle of the Tanto formed as a Vajra which symbolizes such things as power and indestructible forces in the Hindu and Buddhist religions. The slightly waisted Ken formed blade is inscribed in gold on its original sized tang in honour of Masamune, the blade itself  is carved in fine detail with a depiction of Fudo Myo-o to one side and a banner to the reverse, and fitted with a beautiful gold decorated habaki (collar), a most opulent and increasingly scarce Japanese work of art of very unusual proportions at over 25" long.

Literature: 

The gold inlaid (kinzogan) signatures on the tang are honorific references to famous swordsmiths in Japan.

Typically, swords dedicated to temples and for presentations were made on special order for wealthy patrons. With extremely high quality mounts and fittings many older swords like these Ken style blades were used, and signatures added to the tangs.

The signatures were not intended to deceive, but were most likely a tribute to the quality of the blade and mounts.

The gold inlaid signature on this large Ken sword is Masamune, arguably Japan's best and most famous swordsmith.

The mounts although unsigned can possibly be attributed to an artist working in the mid 19th century by the name of Ishiguro Masatsune III.

For an almost identical example signed by this artist see :Dr Nasser. D. Khalili , Treasures of Imperial Japan , Metalwork II Plate - 161.

Condition report :

Superb condition throughout

Approximate Sizes :

Length Overall :  25" 63.5 cm

Length of blade : 14 1/8" 36 cm (inc habaki)

Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included in the price of this item.

Physical Dimensions
Width
63.5cm (25.00")
Declaration

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1034504
Dealers Notes

Available during usual business hours 7 days a week by prior appointment only.

Available out of hours for general enquiries : sales@stagsheadantiques.com or steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com

Tel 07774-635918

Description
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptionally large and fine Meiji period 1868-1912, mixed metal mounted O- Tanto Wakizashi ,the iron scabbard mounted with an entwined silver dragon of exceptional quality, adorned with gilt flames emulating from its body and mounted with a scared jewel between its horns, the handle of the Tanto formed as a Vajra which symbolizes such things as power and indestructible forces in the Hindu and Buddhist religions. The slightly waisted Ken formed blade is inscribed in gold on its original sized tang in honour of Masamune, the blade itself  is carved in fine detail with a depiction of Fudo Myo-o to one side and a banner to the reverse, and fitted with a beautiful gold decorated habaki (collar), a most opulent and increasingly scarce Japanese work of art of very unusual proportions at over 25" long.
fig 1. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
fig 1. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

Literature: 

“
The gold inlaid (kinzogan) signatures on the tang are honorific references to famous swordsmiths in Japan.
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Typically, swords dedicated to temples and for presentations were made on special order for wealthy patrons. With extremely high quality mounts and fittings many older swords like these Ken style blades were used, and signatures added to the tangs.

fig 2. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
fig 2. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

The signatures were not intended to deceive, but were most likely a tribute to the quality of the blade and mounts.

The gold inlaid signature on this large Ken sword is Masamune, arguably Japan's best and most famous swordsmith.

fig 3. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
fig 3. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

The mounts although unsigned can possibly be attributed to an artist working in the mid 19th century by the name of Ishiguro Masatsune III.

For an almost identical example signed by this artist see :Dr Nasser. D. Khalili , Treasures of Imperial Japan , Metalwork II Plate - 161.

fig 4. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
fig 4. Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

Condition report :

Superb condition throughout

Approximate Sizes :

Length Overall :  25" 63.5 cm

Length of blade : 14 1/8" 36 cm (inc habaki)

Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included in the price of this item.

Width
63.5cm (25.00")
Date of Manufacture

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1034504
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2012

Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art Profile Page

Trade Associations

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art is a registered member of BADA 

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Archive I Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi

Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-tanto Wakizashi

Archive II Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View II
Archive III Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View III
Archive IV Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View IV
Archive V Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View V
Archive VI Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View VI
Archive VII Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View VII
Archive VIII Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View VIII
Archive IX Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Telephone 07774 635918
Location
Stags Head Antiques Ltd
Bournemouth
Dorset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/stagshead
Verified Since Jan 2012
Items For Sale 29
Items Sold 1,666
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art
Verified Since Jan 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Stags Head Antiques Ltd, Bournemouth , Dorset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/stagshead
Verified
Jan 2012
For Sale
29
Sold
1,666
Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
Ref: SA1034504
Huge Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal O-Tanto Wakizashi
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