﻿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. Featuring unmarked 6 1/2″ bright, single-edged blade of flattened wedge section, with copper habaki (ferrule). Tsuka (handle), tsuba (guard), and saya (scabbard) all made from hand-carved bone, depicting Japanese Buddhist or Shinto figures. Saya with single carry mount, not drilled for strap. Blade is not hand-forged, as is usually the case with decorative daggers of this type. Tsuba secure, but loose; otherwise very good overall condition. Overall length 10 3/4″, not including saya, 12 3/8″ with saya.