An aikuchi tanto (dagger) in carved red-lacquer scabbard

An aikuchi tanto (dagger) in carved red-lacquer scabbard
Edo - Meiji period (19th century), scabbard signed Hokei saku (Matsuki Hokei)
The tanto mounted in a finely carved red-lacquer (tsuishu) scabbard in relief with a pair of peacocks, small birds and butterflies amongst blooming cherry, peony and iris, the silver fittings carved in high relief with cherry blossoms
11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm.) long