Μαχαίρι κουζίνας - Χάλυβας, Ξύλο - Ιαπωνία - Παραδοσιακά ιαπωνικά μαχαίρια Yanagiba και Deba, εξαιρετικής ποιότητας Gen Shokichi / κατασκευασμένα

● IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EU COUNTRIES - IOSS SHIPMENTS UNDER EUR 150

Due to recent changes in EU import procedures, temporary shipping restrictions may apply to IOSS shipments under EUR 150 to the following countries:

- Austria
- Germany
- Finland
- France
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
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Shipping availability may change depending on Japan Post and the destination country's postal procedures.

Please consider this possibility before placing a bid.

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Vintage Japanese Yanagiba & Ko-Deba Knife Set – “Gokujo Minamoto Masayoshi” (極上源正吉) & “Ishizuki Saku” (石月作) – Kyoto Central Wholesale Market Dealer Label & Japanese Chefs Association Recommendation Marking

An attractive pair of vintage Japanese kitchen knives, combining an elegant Yanagiba sashimi knife with a compact Ko-Deba fish knife.

Both knives retain engraved Japanese inscriptions and traditional wooden handles with vintage labels. These surviving details offer an interesting glimpse into the commercial history and craftsmanship associated with Japanese culinary knives.

The Yanagiba on the left bears the inscription 「極上源正吉」, with the reverse marked 「源正吉極上」. Its handle retains a distinctive red-and-gold label identifying Masayoshi Knife Shop at Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market, including an old telephone number.

The Ko-Deba on the right bears the inscription 「石月作」 and retains a gold-colored label reading 「推薦 社団法人日本調理師会 ムーンストーン本舗 石月」.

The combination of traditional knife forms, surviving inscriptions, vintage dealer labels and visible age-related character makes this an interesting set for collectors and experienced Japanese knife restoration enthusiasts.

1. Traditional Yanagiba Sashimi Knife – “極上源正吉”

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba, distinguished by its long, slender blade and sharply pointed tip.

Yanagiba knives are among the most recognizable tools of Japanese culinary tradition. Their elongated blades are traditionally used for slicing sashimi and preparing fish for sushi, allowing smooth drawing cuts.

This example features an elegant blade profile, a traditional wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

The front of the blade bears the inscription:

極上源正吉

Gokujo Minamoto Masayoshi

The reverse side is marked:

源正吉極上

Minamoto Masayoshi Gokujo

The expression 「極上」 (Gokujo) means “Superior Grade” or “Extra Fine,” reflecting a traditional product-quality designation.

The presence of inscriptions on both sides of the blade is a particularly appealing feature.

These markings are reproduced as they appear and do not independently verify the steel grade, exact manufacturing workshop or original production date.

Original Kyoto Knife Shop Label

One of the most interesting features is the surviving vintage label on the wooden handle.

It reads:

品質保証

源正吉

正吉庖丁店

京都市中央卸売市場

TEL 311-6444

Approximate English translation:

Quality Assurance

Minamoto Masayoshi

Masayoshi Knife Shop

Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market

Telephone: 311-6444

This surviving label is an especially attractive historical detail.

Kyoto's Central Wholesale Market has long been associated with the city's professional food trade, including the preparation and distribution of fresh fish and other ingredients.

The presence of a knife shop name, market location and older-style telephone number gives this knife an interesting connection to Kyoto's culinary commerce.

The label identifies the business associated with the knife but does not, by itself, establish the actual manufacturing workshop.

The blade displays visible signs of previous use and age, including scratches, discoloration, oxidation and other surface imperfections.

Approximate Dimensions

Overall length: 34 cm

Blade length: 20 cm

Maximum blade width: 2.8 cm

2. Traditional Ko-Deba Fish Knife – “石月作”

The knife on the right is a compact Japanese Ko-Deba, a smaller form of the traditional Deba fish knife.

Its broad blade, curved cutting-edge profile and pointed tip are characteristic of knives used for preparing smaller fish and carrying out detailed fish-processing tasks.

Compared with the long Yanagiba, the Ko-Deba has a shorter, wider blade, providing an attractive contrast within this set.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

石月作

Ishizuki Saku

This may be translated approximately as “Made by Ishizuki”, although the marking alone does not establish the identity of the individual craftsman.

The knife is fitted with a traditional wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

Vintage Japanese Chefs Association Recommendation Label

A particularly interesting feature is the surviving gold-colored label on the wooden handle.

The label reads:

推薦

社団法人日本調理師会

ムーンストーン本舗 石月

Approximate English translation:

Recommended

Japan Chefs Association (Incorporated Association)

Moonstone Honpo – Ishizuki

The presence of this vintage recommendation wording adds considerable visual and collectible interest.

It reflects the way Japanese kitchen knives were presented and marketed, including references to professional culinary organizations.

The label is described as an original product marking. Its presence does not independently establish a currently valid endorsement, certification or guarantee of cutting performance.

The Ko-Deba features a gently curved cutting edge, a pointed tip and a compact traditional Japanese blade profile.

The blade shows visible scratches, oxidation, discoloration and wear consistent with its vintage condition.

Approximate Dimensions

Overall length: 25 cm

Blade length: 12 cm

Maximum blade width: 4.3 cm

All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the measuring tape visible in the photograph and are not individually verified measurements.

A Distinctive Combination of Japanese Culinary Knife Traditions

This set brings together two different types of Japanese fish-preparation knives.

Yanagiba – Left

Type: Traditional Japanese Yanagiba sashimi knife

Front inscription: 極上源正吉

Reverse inscription: 源正吉極上

Handle label: 品質保証 / 源正吉 / 正吉庖丁店 / 京都市中央卸売市場 / TEL 311-6444

Long, slender pointed blade

Traditional wooden Wa handle

Black ferrule

Ko-Deba – Right

Type: Traditional Japanese small Deba fish knife

Blade inscription: 石月作

Handle label: 推薦 / 社団法人日本調理師会 / ムーンストーン本舗 石月

Compact, broad blade with a pointed tip

Traditional wooden Wa handle

Black ferrule

The Yanagiba is associated with precise slicing of fish for sashimi, while the Ko-Deba is associated with preparing smaller fish.

The combination of different blade forms and surviving historical labels gives the pair a distinctive appeal.

Condition – Important Information for All Bidders

These are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives offered in their present condition. They are not fully restored or guaranteed to be ready for immediate use.

Both knives show age-related deterioration and evidence of previous use and storage.

Their condition includes:

Dirt, staining and discoloration

Rust and oxidation

Scratches, rubbing marks and scuffs

Damage or chipping at the blade tips

Chips and imperfections along the cutting edges

Dirt and scratches around the ferrules

Chipping or damage to the ferrules

Dirt, staining and wear on the wooden handles

Age-related deterioration of the original labels

Other imperfections consistent with age and previous use

Cleaning, rust removal, sharpening, repairs and restoration may be necessary before practical use.

The wooden handles and ferrules should also be carefully inspected. Traditional wooden Wa handles are consumable, replaceable components, and age-related drying, shrinkage, looseness, cracking or deterioration may require adjustment, repair or complete replacement.

The knives are offered as vintage items requiring an informed assessment of their condition.

Essential Bidding Requirements

Please bid only if you personally possess the knowledge, practical skills and ability to carry out the necessary cleaning, sharpening, maintenance, repairs and restoration yourself.

These knives are not intended for buyers who expect newly manufactured, fully serviced or immediately ready-to-use kitchen knives.

By placing a bid, you confirm that you have carefully examined all listing photographs, read the complete description and important condition notices, understood the disclosed defects and potential restoration requirements, and agree to purchase the knives in their stated vintage condition.

All photographs form an integral part of the item description.

Please make your bidding decision only after carefully assessing the visible condition and accepting the possibility of further maintenance or repair.

An Interesting Pair for Collectors and Experienced Restorers

With the elegant “極上源正吉” Yanagiba, retaining its Kyoto Central Wholesale Market dealer label, and the compact “石月作” Ko-Deba, retaining its vintage Japanese Chefs Association recommendation wording and Moonstone Honpo branding, this set offers a distinctive combination of Japanese culinary history and surviving vintage product details.

An appealing pair for collectors of traditional Japanese knives, experienced sharpening and restoration enthusiasts, and admirers of historic Japanese culinary tools.

■ IMPORTANT NOTICE ? PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING

● NO SHIPPING TO DENMARK, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES (USA)

● BIDDING AND PAYMENT

Please do not place a bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment.

By placing a bid, you confirm your intention to complete payment if you win the auction.

Non-paying bidders cause serious delays. If payment is not completed after reminders from Catawiki, the order may be cancelled under Catawiki policy.

● CONDITION OF THE ITEM

All items are vintage, antique, or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. Signs of age, wear, scratches, stains, rust, oxidation, patina, repairs, sharpening marks, and other imperfections should be expected.

Please carefully examine all photographs before bidding. Photographs form an essential part of the item description.

Please understand that some defects, deterioration, or imperfections may not be visible in photographs. Hidden or non-visible flaws may exist.

Furthermore, the condition of vintage items may change during international transportation due to vibration, impact, temperature fluctuations, humidity, or handling.

**IMPORTANT: BIDDING IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO BUYERS WHO POSSESS THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PRACTICAL ABILITY TO PERSONALLY PERFORM REPAIR, RESTORATION, SHARPENING, AND CLEANING AS REQUIRED.**

Buyers must be capable of carrying out such maintenance and restoration themselves. These items are not intended for buyers who expect fully restored, maintenance-free, or immediately ready-to-use products.

Please do not bid unless you fully understand and accept these conditions.

All measurements are approximate.

● IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIFE HANDLES

Traditional Japanese kitchen knives (wa-bocho) generally use replaceable wooden handles.

Wooden handles are consumable components and may experience drying, shrinkage, cracking, looseness, deterioration, or detachment due to age, storage conditions, or stress during international transportation.

Even if a handle is firmly attached before shipment, its condition may change during transit.

Buyers must understand that wooden handles may require reattachment, adjustment, repair, or complete replacement.

**BIDDING IS LIMITED TO BUYERS WHO UNDERSTAND THESE CHARACTERISTICS AND HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL ABILITY TO PERFORM NECESSARY HANDLE REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS THEMSELVES.**

Replacement handles and repair materials are not included unless specifically stated.

● SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS ? KNIVES

Due to applicable knife shipping and delivery restrictions, we do not ship knives to the United Kingdom or Denmark.

Shipments to other countries may also be restricted depending on local laws, customs regulations, or available postal services.

Orders to destinations where lawful and compliant delivery cannot be arranged may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ? CUSTOMS

Import regulations for kitchen knives vary by country.

Buyers are responsible for checking whether the items can legally be imported into their country before bidding.

The seller ships from Japan with accurate customs declarations.

Customs delays, inspections, import taxes, and clearance requirements are outside the seller's direct control.

Buyers must cooperate with the relevant customs authorities and shipping carriers when required.

● COUNTRIES WE DO NOT SHIP TO

We do not ship to the United States at this time due to ongoing international shipping restrictions and related logistical difficulties.

Shipping to the United States remains temporarily suspended.

Orders from destinations where shipping is restricted may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● INTERNATIONAL SITUATION ? SHIPPING LIMITATIONS

Due to global conditions, sanctions, transportation restrictions, changes in customs regulations, or postal service disruptions, shipping to certain countries may become impossible.

If shipment cannot be arranged legally or through an available shipping service, the order may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ITALY

Delivery to Italy may take one month or longer due to customs procedures and postal delays.

Please place a bid only if you understand and accept the possibility of extended delivery times.

● NO COMBINED SHIPPING

Each item will normally be shipped separately, even if multiple items are purchased.

Please contact us before bidding if you wish to discuss any special shipping arrangements. Combined shipping is not guaranteed.

● SHIPPING METHOD AND DELIVERY TIME

All items are normally shipped from Japan via Japan Post.

Estimated delivery time is approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on the destination, customs procedures, and local postal conditions.

Delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

● IMPORT DUTIES AND TAXES (EU BUYERS)

Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and other applicable charges may be imposed depending on the destination country and the applicable tax collection arrangements.

Any amounts not collected at checkout may be payable by the buyer upon importation.

Buyers are responsible for checking and complying with the applicable import requirements.

● CUSTOMS CONTACT AND BUYER RESPONSIBILITY

Buyers must respond promptly to requests from customs authorities, postal operators, or shipping carriers.

Failure to provide necessary documents, complete customs procedures, or pay applicable import charges may result in delays, return, confiscation, or disposal of the parcel.

Buyers are expected to cooperate fully with customs clearance procedures.

● RETURNED PARCELS

If a parcel is returned because the buyer refuses delivery, fails to complete customs clearance, does not respond to customs requests, or fails to pay applicable import charges, any request for reshipment will be considered individually.

Reshipment may require payment of additional shipping and handling costs, including costs arising from the original return.

Any refund, cancellation, or reshipment will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law.

● FORCE MAJEURE

The seller cannot control delays or disruptions caused by war, sanctions, natural disasters, postal suspensions, customs restrictions, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control.

Such situations will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law.

● IMPORTANT AGREEMENT ? ACCEPTANCE OF ALL LISTING CONDITIONS

BY PLACING A BID, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ, FULLY UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THE ENTIRE ITEM DESCRIPTION, ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, CONDITION DISCLOSURES, SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS, AND EVERY IMPORTANT NOTICE STATED IN THIS LISTING.**

You also confirm that you understand the nature of vintage and antique items, including the possibility of age-related deterioration, non-visible defects, and the need for cleaning, sharpening, restoration, or repair.

You further confirm that you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical ability to perform such maintenance or restoration yourself when required.

For traditional Japanese knives, this includes understanding that wooden handles are replaceable consumable parts and may require adjustment, reattachment, repair, or replacement.

**PLEASE DO NOT PLACE A BID IF YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND OR ACCEPT THESE CONDITIONS.**

These conditions apply subject to Catawiki's applicable policies and any mandatory consumer protection laws.