A Koshira-e (Mounting) for a Tanto (Dagger)
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
The saya (scabbard) of black lacquer with fine gold kinpun, the tsuka (hilt) covered in rayskin with decoration of conjoined cherry blossoms in shakudo and gold, the other hilt- and scabbard-fittings finished in fine gold kinpun and nashiji, the saya inlaid on each side at its lower end with two cherry blossoms in shell, the edges inlaid with tendrils in the same material, the kozuka of shakudo and gold densely chiselled with cherry blossoms, signed on the side of the saya for the lacquer decoration Gyokushin saku (Made by Gyokushin); wood tsukuri blade; silk cord; with a wooden tomobako storage box inscribed outside Sakura-zukushi tanto koshira-e inroshi Gyokushin saku (Tanto mounting with cherry-blossom design by the inro-master Gyokushin). 30.5cm (12in) long. (3).