Asian Carved Bone Tanto Dagger, Probably 19th C Japanese

This type dagger was often carved from the leg bone of a Buddhist monk, though we do not believe that is the case with this example. It features an unmarked 6″ single-edged blade of flattened wedge section, with small copper habaki (blade ferrule). Tsuka (handle), tsuba (guard), and saya (scabbard) are made of multiple pieces of bone, carved with Japanese samurai figures. Blade is not hand forged, which is common with decorative daggers of this type. Very good condition, some bone pieces possibly replaced, as they are lighter in color. Overall length 10 1/8″ without saya, 12″ with the saya.