RARE ANTIQUE JAPANESE KNIFE/CHOPSTICK SET IN SHEATH

 
For you consideration a very rare one of a kind antique Japanese chopstick knife set. I have
had it looked at by an expert in antiquities and he says it is was most likely made around the
turn of the Century  1900-1915. The chopsticks are definitely bone, he viewed them with a
close up lens to discern the grain. He said the workmanship is very good, high quality.

Starting in the 1600s Japanese aristocrats paid particular attention to hygiene. Usually they would wear a knife-and-chopsticks sheath  that was custom made for them, and a perfume bag at the waist when going out to dine.

With this knife-and-chopsticks sheath there are a pair of chopsticks  which are made of a natural substance such as bone, and a long  thin steel knife. The scabbard is made of first-class rosewood as is  the knife handle. This piece was hand made in careful detail and accented in what seems to be brass. I am not an expert but those that have looked at it say it is around 100 years old and was used regularly. There is sign of much wear and use on the knife handle and the blade is very much in original well used condition. I have not touched it since I inherited it a while ago.


The sheath was not only practical but also decorative. The small bag they wore at the waist was used to place a bowl. It is often made of yellow embroidery or silks and satins, and the line decorations on it are mostly a circular dragon. When they went to dine as a guest at someone's home, they would use their own bowl and implements.

This is a one of a kind object, very rare and authentic. A very nice
addition to any collection of knives or Japanese artifacts. Please email me with any questions or
any specific photos that you might like to see.  This piece will be shipped with insurance because
of  it's rarity and value , no exceptions.