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 - Portugal Shipping availability may change depending on Japan Post and the destination country's postal procedures. Please consider this possibility before placing a bid. Vintage Japanese Nakiri and Funayuki kitchen knife set - Iekuni Betteuchi and Sakai Yamato Ukeai - 2 traditional Japanese knives - Japan Offered here is a distinctive set of two vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Nakiri vegetable knife bearing the inscription "家国 別打" and a Funayuki-style knife bearing the inscription "山ト請合". The wooden handle of the Funayuki knife also retains a branded marking reading "堺山ト請合". These two knives present an attractive contrast between the broad, rectangular blade of the Nakiri and the pointed, versatile profile of the Funayuki. Both knives feature traditional Japanese-style wooden handles and display the aged surfaces and surviving inscriptions characteristic of vintage Japanese kitchen tools. The pronounced dark patina on the Nakiri blade and the metallic ferrule on the Funayuki give the set a distinctive appearance. For collectors interested in traditional Japanese knife designs, historical inscriptions, and vintage culinary craftsmanship, this pairing offers considerable visual and historical interest. 1. Nakiri knife - Iekuni Betteuchi The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Nakiri-style vegetable knife. Its broad, nearly rectangular blade and relatively straight cutting edge are characteristic of the traditional Nakiri form, which has long been associated with vegetable preparation in Japanese cooking. The blade bears the inscription "家国 別打", which may be read as "Iekuni Betteuchi". The term "Betteuchi" is a traditional designation suggesting a specially made or separately produced blade. This interpretation is based on the inscription and does not independently establish the original manufacturing method. The blade exhibits extensive dark surface discoloration, patina, oxidation, and visible signs of age and previous use. A lighter, worn area extends along the cutting edge, contrasting with the darker upper portion of the blade. The knife is fitted with a wooden Japanese-style handle and a black ferrule. The combination of the broad traditional blade profile, Japanese inscription, and strongly aged appearance gives this knife a distinctive vintage character. Approximate dimensions: - Overall length: 31 cm - Blade length: 18 cm - Maximum blade width: 5.5 cm 2. Funayuki knife - Sakai Yamato Ukeai The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Funayuki-style knife, featuring a pointed tip and a gently curved cutting edge. The blade bears the Japanese inscription "山ト請合". The wooden handle also carries a branded marking reading "堺山ト請合". The inscriptions are reproduced as marked on the knife. The wording "堺" refers to Sakai, a Japanese city historically associated with traditional cutlery, but the inscription alone does not independently verify the knife's place of manufacture. The term "請合" is a traditional expression associated with assurance or guarantee, as used in historical commercial markings. It should not be interpreted as a present-day performance guarantee. The Funayuki is a traditional Japanese knife form associated with versatile food preparation, including fish and general kitchen tasks. Its relatively compact, pointed blade offers a distinctive contrast to the broad rectangular profile of the Nakiri. The knife is fitted with a wooden Japanese-style handle and a metallic ferrule. The surviving blade inscription and corresponding handle marking are appealing details for collectors of vintage Japanese kitchen knives. Approximate dimensions: - Overall length: 29 cm - Blade length: 16 cm - Maximum blade width: 4 cm Condition and restoration requirements Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items showing visible signs of age, previous use, and long-term storage. The condition includes: - Rust, oxidation, and surface discoloration - Dark patina and extensive aged surface areas, particularly on the Nakiri blade - Dirt, stains, and accumulated grime - Scratches, rubbing marks, and surface abrasions - General wear and age-related deterioration - Chips, irregularities, and wear along the cutting edges - Chipping and deterioration around the blade tips - Dirt, scratches, dents, wear, and misalignment around the ferrules - Dirt, scratches, wear, and other age-related imperfections on the wooden handles Please pay particular attention to the darkened blade surface of the Nakiri, the cutting edges and blade tips of both knives, and the condition of the ferrules and wooden handles. These knives are not offered as professionally restored, fully serviced, or immediately ready for kitchen use. Cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, and possibly handle adjustment, reattachment, or replacement may be required. Please understand that additional defects, hidden damage, internal corrosion, looseness, or other deterioration that cannot be identified from the photographs may exist. The exact steel composition, manufacturing dates, and historical provenance of these knives have not been independently verified. All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the photographs. Please carefully examine every photograph before bidding. The photographs form an essential part of the item description. Collector appeal This set brings together two contrasting traditional Japanese kitchen knife forms, each bearing distinctive Japanese inscriptions. The Iekuni Betteuchi Nakiri is particularly notable for its broad blade and pronounced dark patina, while the Funayuki knife offers an elegant pointed profile, a metallic ferrule, and corresponding markings on the blade and handle. Together, they provide an interesting opportunity to acquire two vintage Japanese culinary tools with individual character and visible evidence of their age. These knives are primarily intended for knowledgeable collectors, experienced restorers, and enthusiasts who appreciate the preservation of traditional Japanese kitchen tools. They are offered as vintage collectibles and restoration projects rather than maintenance-free kitchen equipment. Important: Bidding is strictly limited to buyers who personally possess the necessary knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to carry out cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration themselves. Buyers who cannot perform such work independently should refrain from bidding. Important notice - Please read before bidding No shipping to Denmark, the United Kingdom, or the 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 and 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 and 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 kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL. Estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination, customs procedures, and local delivery 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, subject to applicable Catawiki policies and mandatory consumer protection laws. 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.