As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this rare and extremely high quality Japanese ivory and Shibayama mounted tanto (dagger)the tanto is approx 16'' 42 cm in length and its scabbard has been formed from the finest cuts of ivory, with the Fuchi Kashira cleverly carved in relief , the whole case has been decorated in the most exquisite quality Shibayama decoration , depicting everything from tiny blue gold pinned Hydrangea to exotic birds and butterflies, a plethora of other insects and even a tea kettle, the workmanship is outstanding and the degree of difficulty on a curved surface must be considerable, daggers of this type are much more common in smaller sizes and are usually fitted with lesser quality blades aimed at the tourist market, this tanto is fitted with a high quality tempered steel blade , a wonderful piece of Japanese workmanship that would significantly enhance any serious collection !For similar recent sales of high quality Shibayama Tant...