As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most unusual late Edo early Meiji period 1868-1912 , ken tanto, the main body of the scabbard is formed from solid shibuichi, carved to represent clouds upon which silver mounted and gold decorated dragons appear as the dominant feature, the ken formed blade is further carved with a dragon chasing the flaming pearl. The solid silver mounts are signed by the artist Jokatsusai Yasukazu who is recorded as being active between 1850-1880 , unusually the mounts are also signed with an inscription that reads Yusho ga , this translates to ''an image of mysterious and tranquil beauty'' and would tie in with the dragons amidst the swirling clouds, as in this example it refers to the tranquil dragon, which is a mysterious and profound existence in universe and heaven.Literature : The Tang on this blade is signed Amakuni, this would be in honour of the legendary founder of the Yamato school and was not in any wa...