5th Dec, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
143
AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE KEN (DOUBLE-EDGED STRAIGHT SWORD) IN SUPERB ‘DRAGON’ KOSHIRAE
€10,000
€20,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Japan, 19th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912)
The blade:
The sugata of ken-zukuri, the hamon is notare in nioi-deki with fine sunagashi, the hada is masame. The nakago with one mekugi ana, katte sagari yasurime, and mumei.
The mounting:
The gilt-copper habaki with horizontal file marks. The tsuka of irogane (mixed metal), in form of a vajra with bands of lotus petals worked in gold, silver, and copper takazogan. The fuchi decorated in silver takazogan with clouds. The saya lacquered in nashiji under a second layer of lacquer, entwined by a large silvered metal dragon with gold details chasing the magical tama pearl, and terminating in an irogane kojiri with silver takazogan clouds.
NAGASA 39 cm, LENGTH 51.7 cm (the blade), 66.4 cm (the koshirae)
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The dragon fitting to the saya slightly loose, few touchups to the gilt of the dragon, and minor surface wear.
In Buddhist iconography, the sword represents the defense of the true doctrine and the vanquishing of ignorance and evil. It also embodies intelligence and, more broadly, the triumph of spiritual wisdom leading to enlightenment. The combination of sword and vajra—known as the Kongo-ken (vajra sword)—is the attribute of Fudo Myoo. His sword symbolizes wisdom cutting through delusion, while the rope he holds binds and subdues negative forces. The Kurikara is the name of Fudo Myoo's sword, derived from the dragon that coils around its blade. In esoteric Buddhist symbolism (samaya), the Kurikara-ken is regarded as a manifestation of Fudo Myoo himself—the sacred sword of wisdom that severs the three poisons (triviṣa). The weapon takes its name from the Dragon King Kurikara (Kurikara Ryuo), who is said to wrap around the blade, transforming into a spiral of flames.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ken with mounts, 26 cm long, at Bonhams, The Samurai Sale, 22 October 2009, New York, lot 3109 (sold for USD 42,700 or approx. EUR 55,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
Japan, 19th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912)
The blade:
The sugata of ken-zukuri, the hamon is notare in nioi-deki with fine sunagashi, the hada is masame. The nakago with one mekugi ana, katte sagari yasurime, and mumei.
The mounting:
The gilt-copper habaki with horizontal file marks. The tsuka of irogane (mixed metal), in form of a vajra with bands of lotus petals worked in gold, silver, and copper takazogan. The fuchi decorated in silver takazogan with clouds. The saya lacquered in nashiji under a second layer of lacquer, entwined by a large silvered metal dragon with gold details chasing the magical tama pearl, and terminating in an irogane kojiri with silver takazogan clouds.
NAGASA 39 cm, LENGTH 51.7 cm (the blade), 66.4 cm (the koshirae)
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The dragon fitting to the saya slightly loose, few touchups to the gilt of the dragon, and minor surface wear.
In Buddhist iconography, the sword represents the defense of the true doctrine and the vanquishing of ignorance and evil. It also embodies intelligence and, more broadly, the triumph of spiritual wisdom leading to enlightenment. The combination of sword and vajra—known as the Kongo-ken (vajra sword)—is the attribute of Fudo Myoo. His sword symbolizes wisdom cutting through delusion, while the rope he holds binds and subdues negative forces. The Kurikara is the name of Fudo Myoo's sword, derived from the dragon that coils around its blade. In esoteric Buddhist symbolism (samaya), the Kurikara-ken is regarded as a manifestation of Fudo Myoo himself—the sacred sword of wisdom that severs the three poisons (triviṣa). The weapon takes its name from the Dragon King Kurikara (Kurikara Ryuo), who is said to wrap around the blade, transforming into a spiral of flames.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ken with mounts, 26 cm long, at Bonhams, The Samurai Sale, 22 October 2009, New York, lot 3109 (sold for USD 42,700 or approx. EUR 55,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 5th Dec, 2025
We're delighted to present Fine Japanese Art — a live auction featuring 600 exceptional lots that span every era of Japan’s rich artistic heritage.
The first 360 lots are featured in our printed catalog, beginning with Bronzes & Meiji metalwork, including a superb selection of silver works and notable pieces by celebrated masters such as Kitagawa Hokusen I and Jomi Eisuke II. These are followed by an outstanding group of samurai artworks, showcasing works by the Myochin family, intricate jizai okimono, exquisite tsuba from the Kotler Collection, and a distinguished array of armors, helmets, and swords. Learn more.
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