^Lot 1717 ORNATE EARLY JAPANESE TANTO.

This tanto measures 11 3/4" overall with a 6 3/4" blade and a silvered habaki. There is a small iron tsuba with a gold inlaid dragon on the edge. There is one gilded seppa above and below. The exquisite gold inlaid fuchi shows a bird and flowers. The heavily gold encrusted kashira shows two gold footed chicks at the top. The tsuka-ito is bronze colored and covers the gold highlighted dragon manuki. Just above the fuchi is a brass cherry blossom on each side. The saya is red and black enamel with an iron mask near the tip and gold inlaid suspension pieces on one side. There is a slot in the saya for a kogatana that houses two matching engraved picks. CONDITION: The blade is generally good but has areas of dark staining particularly near the tip. There is one small chip on the ha. The tsuka shows light overall wear with some staining on the tsuka-ito. The saya is quite nice and has a beautiful finish. (02-25818/BF) $500-750.