A Fine And Rare Sawasa-Hilted Small-Sword Japanese For The European Market, Early 18th Century With tapering blade (some old rust patination and light pitting) etched and gilt with a symmetrical design of foliage over each side of the forte, the labelled figures of 'St. Peterius' and 'St. Andreas' beneath stars beyond, parcel-gilt black lacquered hilt comprising double shell-guard (some wear to edges) decorated on both sides with panels of prunus, some inhabited by birds, centred on pierced and chased scrolling foliage with monster-head terminals, a monster-head flanking the blade on each side beneath, quillon-block, lobed rear quillon, and associated globular pommel all en suite, plain arms, knuckle-guard with gilt central double foliate feature between inlaid gold foliage, and wooden grip bound with fine twisted copper wire between brass ferrules 68 cm. blade Footnotes: See Bas Kist et al, Sawasa Japanese export art in black and gold 1650-1800, exhibition catalogue, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, 28 November 1998 - 28 February 1999, pp. 53-54, A.13.1 - A.14.1 (illustrated) For a related example formerly in the collection of the late A.R. Dufty F.S.A., past Master of the Armouries, H.M. Tower of London, see Christie's South Kensington, Antique Arms and Armour, 15 July 1998, lot 28 This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing