Important shipping notice for certain EU countries Due to changes in EU import and IOSS procedures, shipping restrictions may apply to orders under EUR 150 destined for Austria, Germany, Finland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Portugal. Please confirm shipping availability before bidding. Vintage Japanese Usuba and Yanagiba kitchen knife set - Miyacho Tokusen and Seki Masamune Ukeai - 2 traditional Japanese knives Country of origin: Japan Quantity: 2 vintage Japanese kitchen knives Types: Usuba and Yanagiba Materials: Metal blades and wooden handles Condition: Vintage, pre-owned, with age-related wear and possible restoration requirements Item description Offered here is an interesting set of two traditional Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of an Usuba vegetable knife bearing the inscriptions "宮調" and "特撰", and a long Yanagiba slicing knife bearing the inscription "関正宗請合". The Yanagiba also retains a branded wooden handle marked "関正宗". The set brings together two distinctive Japanese blade forms: the broad, straight-edged Usuba, traditionally associated with vegetable preparation, and the long, narrow Yanagiba, traditionally used for slicing fish and preparing sashimi. Both knives retain their Japanese-style wooden handles and characteristic blade profiles. Their surviving inscriptions, traditional construction, and signs of age make them interesting examples of vintage Japanese culinary tools. 1. Usuba knife - Miyacho Tokusen The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Usuba-style vegetable knife. Its relatively broad, rectangular blade has a straight cutting edge and a squared-off tip, reflecting the characteristic form of Japanese vegetable knives. Two separate inscriptions appear near the base of the blade: "宮調" "特撰" The second inscription, "特撰", means "specially selected" or "special selection". These inscriptions are presented as they appear on the blade and have not been independently verified as evidence of a particular maker or manufacturing period. The knife retains a traditional wooden handle and a dark ferrule. Its restrained, practical design and surviving Japanese inscriptions make it an appealing vintage kitchen knife for collectors and experienced restorers. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 33 cm Blade length: 18 cm Maximum blade width: 3.5 cm 2. Yanagiba knife - Seki Masamune Ukeai The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba slicing knife. Its long, slender, pointed blade is characteristic of Japanese knives traditionally associated with slicing fish and preparing sashimi. The blade bears the Japanese inscription: "関正宗請合" The wording includes the name "関正宗" (Seki Masamune), followed by "請合", an expression associated with assurance or guarantee. The wooden handle also bears a branded inscription: "関正宗" The combination of the blade inscription and the surviving handle brand is an attractive feature, providing additional interest for collectors of vintage Japanese cutlery. The knife retains a traditional wooden handle and a dark ferrule. Its elegant, elongated blade profile contrasts with the broad Usuba knife included in this set. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 38 cm Blade length: 23 cm Maximum blade width: 2.8 cm The inscriptions are reproduced from the knives. Their exact makers, dates of manufacture, provenance, and steel compositions have not been independently established. 3. Condition Both knives are vintage, previously used items and show signs of age, use, and storage. Their condition includes: - Rust, oxidation, dirt, and surface discoloration. - Scratches, rubbing marks, and other surface damage. - General wear and deterioration. - Chips along the cutting edges. - Chipped or damaged blade tips. - Dirt, scratches, and chips around the ferrules. - Dirt, scratches, and age-related wear on the wooden handles. - Other imperfections associated with their vintage condition. Please examine the photographs carefully. The photographs form an essential part of the item description. Particular attention should be paid to the blade surfaces, cutting edges, tips, ferrules, handles, inscriptions, and areas showing wear. Both knives require sharpening before use. Depending on their actual condition, they may also require cleaning, rust removal, adjustment, repair, or restoration. Important information about hidden defects As these are vintage knives, defects that cannot be identified from the photographs may exist. Possible hidden problems include internal corrosion, cracks, looseness, deterioration of the wooden handles, damage to the concealed tangs, or other structural defects. The internal condition of the handles and tangs has not been verified. The knives are offered in their present condition. They have not been represented as professionally restored, fully serviced, or ready for immediate use. Important requirements for bidders Please bid only if you personally possess the knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to carry out cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration. Buyers who cannot independently perform these tasks should refrain from bidding. Traditional Japanese wooden handles are consumable components and may require adjustment, repair, reattachment, or complete replacement due to age and deterioration. These knives are intended for collectors and experienced individuals who understand the characteristics and maintenance requirements of vintage Japanese cutlery. 4. Collector appeal This set offers an appealing combination of two traditional Japanese knife styles. The Usuba features a broad, rectangular blade with the inscriptions "宮調" and "特撰". The Yanagiba features an elegant, elongated blade inscribed "関正宗請合", together with a wooden handle bearing the "関正宗" brand. The contrast between these two blade profiles illustrates the diversity of traditional Japanese culinary tools. Their surviving inscriptions, wooden handles, and authentic signs of age provide visual character and collector interest. This set may be particularly appealing to collectors of Japanese kitchen knives, enthusiasts of traditional culinary craftsmanship, and experienced restorers. 5. Shipping and purchase information Shipping restrictions We do not ship kitchen knives to the United Kingdom, Denmark, or the United States. Shipping to other destinations may also be restricted by local laws, customs regulations, or available delivery services. Please confirm that the importation of these knives is permitted in your country before bidding. Shipping methods All kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL. Each order is normally shipped separately. Combined shipping is not available as a standard service. Items will be packed carefully for international transportation. Tracking information will be provided where available. Delivery and customs International delivery may take approximately three to four weeks or longer, depending on the destination, shipping service, and customs procedures. Delivery to Italy may take more than one month. Customs inspections, import procedures, and postal disruptions may cause additional delays. Buyers are responsible for complying with import requirements and cooperating with customs authorities and delivery companies. Any applicable import duties, VAT, or customs clearance charges not already collected at checkout are the buyer's responsibility under the applicable arrangements. Final important notice These are vintage knives with visible age-related wear. Additional defects not apparent in the photographs may exist. All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the photographs. By bidding, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the photographs, item description, condition disclosures, and shipping restrictions. Please bid only if you understand that cleaning, sharpening, repair, or restoration may be required and you personally have the knowledge and practical ability to perform such work. All transactions remain subject to applicable Catawiki policies and mandatory consumer protection laws.