AUCTIONS IMPERIAL 2025 MAY
Lot 122:
Description
A fine example of a very rare dagger, designed for concealing valuables in a specially fitted slide hidden within the saya while traveling. The ribbed grip lacquered in glossy black, with silver pin. The wooden saya likewise lacquered in glossy black lacquer and fitted with a carved horn kogai, the habaki of gilded copper. The interior of the koiguchi skillfully fitted with a narrow brass slide accessed by a tiny toggle. When carefully withdrawn, the slide reveals a long, shallow compartment designed to contain rectangular gold and silver coins or, as in this case, folded hansatsu (paper money issued by higher samurai clans.) This example is a hand-stamped and sealed paper note valuing 5 silver bu issued by the Owari clan dating to the mid Edo period. The unokubi zukuri blade with three holes in the tang, with active, straight temperline and dramatic grain signed KANEMOTO, one of the noted Mino school family. 18th-19th century. Blade with scratches and isolated areas of minor pitting. Hansatsu rubbed and creased. Overall length 32.5cm / 12.8 inches nagasa 20.9cm / 8./14 inches. Condition III
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