Noh Mask Stiletto

Product Description for Noh Mask Stiletto

Maker: Hidetoshi Nakayama (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 2992
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.62 in.
Total length: 8.62 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.45 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.24 in.
Item weight: 2.88 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.44 oz.
Blade: Three sided aogami (blue carbon steel)
Bolster: Integral
Handle: Boxwood with Tagayosan (silver) ornamentation
Sheath: Boxwood with Tagayosan (silver) noh mask
Description: Noh performances reflect on the life and times of the Japanese. This stylized art form dates back to the feudal period and uses masks to convey the mood and part played by the performer.
Knifemaker Hidetoshi Nakayama has been making knives since 1990. I was tremendously impressed when I saw his work at the East Coast Custom Knife Show in March 2004. He has been a netsuke artist for over 10 years. Netsuke is a unique form of small sculpture which developed as an art form in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Over time netsuke, which started as a toggle used to stop the kimono cord from slipping, began to feature elaborate carving, lacquer work, and inlays of rare and exotic materials including ivory, wood, precious metals, shell, coral, and semiprecious stones. Clearly the attention necessary for carving fine figures in netsuke has transferred to his knife making.
Buddhist alter fittings form the pommel of this Noh Mask Stiletto, protecting the wielder from evil. The carbon steel stiletto blade is three sided and has an integral bolster. Boxwood has been carved into the handle and sheath. Fittings are cast by the maker from fine silver.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available