2 kozuka (small knives) in various metals, Japan, Edo period, one decorated with objects, the other with shishi and flowers, both signed on the blade and handle, with box, l. 21 and 21.5 cm Provenance: Swiss private collection, assembled from 1932 to 1936 in Kobe (Japan). The collection was acquired under the mentorship of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Japan in Kobe, director of Nestlé's Japanese subsidiary and an expert in Japanese art. The entire collection was inherited and has remained in the family ever since. 2 kozuka (small knives) in various metals, Japan, Edo period, both signed on the blade and handle, with box, 21 and 21.5 cm long Provenance: private Swiss collection, assembled from 1932 to 1936 in Kobe (Japan). The collection was acquired under the mentorship of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Japan in Kobe, director of Nestlé's Japanese subsidiary and an expert in Japanese art. The entire collection was inherited and has remained in the family ever since. General surface wear Some surface scratches Some traces of oxidation Some rust Few small dents Different signatures between the blade and the handle The blade is not perfectly embedded in the handle Labels and pencil markings on the box Overall wear to the surfaces Some surface scratches Some oxidation traces Some rust traces Few minute knocks Different signatures between the blade and the handle The blade is not perfectly inserted into the handle Presence of labels and pencil's inscriptions on the box A collection of Japanese art The exceptional collection presented here bears witness to the refinement of Japanese art, notably through a selection of inrô and boxes carefully assembled in Japan between 1932 and 1936. It was assembled in Kobe by a Swiss collector living in Japan, who relied on the expert advice of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), then Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Kobe. A connoisseur of Japanese art, Champoud played a key role in the creation of this collection. Passed down by inheritance within the same family to this day, this collection reflects a passionate and erudite appreciation of the subtlety and richness of Japanese art.