### **A Shibayama tanto, signed Shibayama Ekimasa**


**Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan**

**Length: 40 cm, 15.75 inches**

Inlaid in coral, ivory, stone, carved lacquer and mother of pearl, with Rogyoku holding a peony on a ho-o bird in flight amongst gold clouds, the reverse with Shoshi reading a hand scroll on a dragon amongst golden clouds. The handle inlaid with chrysanthemum sprigs on either side, Kogai with two karako holding up a flag, the pommel in silver alloy with delicately cast ho-o.