Gold lacquer inlaid with shell, stained ivory, dark horn and coral. Aikuchi (dagger).

M6 / L60

A small but very fine aikuchi (short sword) with metal fittings. The hilt and scabbard decorated on a gold lacquer ground with Shibayama inlay of a plumed bird amidst cherry blossom. Ducks on a pond are seen on the reverse.

Japanese, late 19th century.
Signed: Unsigned
Provenance: Douglas Wright.
Published: Item 368 'In Search of Netsuke and Inro' by George A. Cohen.
Dimensions: 36.8cm long x 4.2cm wide