JAPAN - Tantō mounted in koshirae, 19th century, the black lacquer saya decorated with geometric motifs in red lacquer, black lacquered wooden kurigata and worn koiguchi, lacking kojiri and sageo. The tsuka handle in blue-black ito weave on a white shagreen background, comprising a pair of menuki in shibuishi decorated with flowers, the kashira in shakudo decorated with flowers and an animal, matching the fuchi decorated with similar motifs. The iron tsuba maru-gata with openwork kage sukashi decoration, unsigned. The oxidised habaki has a green patina. The straight blade has an iori mune back and is engraved on each side with a dragon-shaped horimono. With kogatana, including the sentoku kozuka decorated in taka zogan with a dragon on an imitation wickerwork background, signed. L. 11 cm (tsuka) L. 23.6 cm (blade) L. 27 cm (saya) L. 38.8 cm (total tantō excluding saya) Condition: Blade showing significant wear and weakened polish, with oxidation, scratches and pitting affecting the legibility of the tempering characteristics. The kissaki is dull and the horimono is altered. Provenance: Former collection of Mr. Huu Pham (Galerie Potterat)