Art & Antiques

[Chas.Alpha]

My grandmother was collector and dealer of antiques and curios, with a particular interest in fossilized Ivory. She had gone as far as to contract with an Inuit artist up in Alaska back in the early ‘60’s. While the provenance of the ivory is well documented, I know absolutely nothing about this knife.

Japanese to be sure, Carved Ivory scabbard and handle.

Any Asian art experts on FOH? I would appreciate any insights...

Thanks!

[JohnS]

Who knows? It may also be worth something @Chas.Alpha!

[Chas.Alpha]

Not for sale, just curious about it’s provenance.

Thanks John!

[dominattorney]

@Chas.Alpha if you can get a bit better photographic detail of the blade it might make identification easier. If you believe the provenance of the ivory is sound, that would mean the blade construction would likely also be of high quality. Japanese steel was generally folded many times due to the high impurity content in the older days. Additionally, most traditional Japanese blades have a hamon, or temper line, just a half centimeter away from the cutting edge. This is the result of heat treating the blade so thst the edge remains hard and the back portion remains springy to prevent the blade from breaking with use. Though not necessarily dispositive of anything with what appears to be a ceremonial work of art, one would think that if thr craftsman went throughall thst trouble with the scabbard (saya) that they would use a very nice piece of steel as well. Also, how long is the blade? Does it have a full tang? How does it attach to the handle?

 

Full disclosure. I'm no expert. I just know enough to know what I don't know about this kind of thing. 

[Nevrknow]

If there are no characters ( kanji ) on the blade itself, then we’re off to a good start. Then we need to “ wrist slap“ the handle off. 
There you should see the makers kanji. We find that, then we should be able to ascertain the makers name and approximate a date/value.

Hoping it’s pre-war $$$$, not post war - touristy.

Keep us posted.

[Chas.Alpha]

On 6/4/2021 at 11:28 AM, dominattorney said:

@Chas.Alpha if you can get a bit better photographic detail of the blade it might make identification easier. If you believe the provenance of the ivory is sound...

I should clarify: The other pieces of ivory from grandma’s collection are well documented. The only thing I know about this knife comes from a note rolled up in the scabbard describing how it ended up in the U.S. 

[dominattorney]

The steel does not look particularly well crafted. The lack of hamon on a blade that small doesn't raise a red flag. But the nature of the steel, and particularly the edge, make me think the blade is of low quality. 

[Nevrknow]

3 minutes ago, dominattorney said:

The steel does not look particularly well crafted. The lack of hamon on a blade that small doesn't raise a red flag. But the nature of the steel, and particularly the edge, make me think the blade is of low quality. 

Spot on steel observation. Not all swords from the past were what I would call top notch. After all even Japanese had “economy “ level swords. Having said that, true ivory with a history AND who made it, I’m hoping this still turns out to be a $$$$ treasure for him. At least a box of Sig VI worth. 😂

I like seeing people hit home runs.

[Chas.Alpha]

18 minutes ago, dominattorney said:

The steel does not look particularly well crafted. The lack of hamon on a blade that small doesn't raise a red flag. But the nature of the steel, and particularly the edge, make me think the blade is of low quality. 

The edge... I shall tie myself to a stake and put my own blindfold on. 
When I was given this after grandma passed, I put it thru the battery-operated “Ronco” duel grinding wheel sharpener. I was around 8 years old.

You may fire when ready... 😔

[dominattorney]

4 minutes ago, Chas.Alpha said:

The edge... I shall tie myself to a stake and put my own blindfold on. 
When I was given this after grandma passed, I put it thru the battery-operated “Ronco” duel grinding wheel sharpener. I was around 8 years old.

You may fire when ready... 😔

Don't beat yourself up. It can be fixed if the blade is well forged. You should take it to someone who can look at it up close. Where are you located?

[Chas.Alpha]

Jax, Fla. At the risk of controversy, I’ll post the note found rolled up in the scabbard. If any of our BOTL/SOTL from SE Asia find offense, I apologize in advance...

[Nevrknow]

20 minutes ago, Chas.Alpha said:

The edge... I shall tie myself to a stake and put my own blindfold on. 
When I was given this after grandma passed, I put it thru the battery-operated “Ronco” duel grinding wheel sharpener. I was around 8 years old.

You may fire when ready... 😔

I have over 100 Japanese blades and mainly polish on natural Japanese stones. Trust me. Unless you “half moon” the edge out of existence it can be brought back to its former glory. Fear not! 👍🏻
 

These and cigars keep the accountant awake at night!  😂😂

[Chas.Alpha]

Those are Gorgeous! I am awaiting the day when I can get the “ultimate” kitchen knife set. I’m still struggling along with the Hamilton Beach set we got as a wedding present some 30 years ago! 🤣

[dominattorney]

7 hours ago, Nevrknow said:

I have over 100 Japanese blades and mainly polish on natural Japanese stones. Trust me. Unless you “half moon” the edge out of existence it can be brought back to its former glory. Fear not! 👍🏻
 

These and cigars keep the accountant awake at night!  😂😂

Those are nice. Do you write off both? 🤔

[Nevrknow]

Ha! I wish! I choose not to argue that point with you know who. I would lose lol.