14th Century Japanese Oni Temple Guardian w Ken Blade Start Price USD 10,999.99 Current Price USD 10,999.99 Time Left 10 days 4 hours 10 minutes Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, September 18, 2008 End Time Friday, January 16, 2009 Location Maryland, USA See more about '14th Century Japanese Oni Temple Guardian w Ken Blade' Description Snyder's Treasures is pleased to offer An Original and Authentic Fourteenth Century Japanese Oni Temple Guardian with Ken BladeThis is the real deal!! This is an intricate and unusual piece. This is one of several I have owned over many years of collecting, and it is one of the finest examples of oni art I have encountered. These carved demons pre-date the 9th century AD when they originally held the very-highly prized ancient ken blades. This is a later period oni, dating to the 14th or 15th century. It was perhaps used to house an old ken blade at some point in the past, however, the ken blade that is in it now dates to a later period. The blade is signed on the tang as shown here: Signature Side Reverse Side The blade is a diamond-shaped cross-section double-edged straight ken blade and it is shown full-length front and back here: Blade Front Blade Rear The handle of the blade forms the topknot of this exquisitely carved and painted oni. It is shown disassembled here: Front Rear One measure of an oni's power and effectiveness is supposed to be gauged by the number of fingers and toes the beast has. This one is a fairly powerful oni, with a full compliment of 4 toes on each foot, and three fingers on each hand. Top Detail Bottom Detail Back Overall View The condition is quite good considering the extreme age of this item. There are some signs of wear apparent as can be clearly seen in the close-up detailed images. There are minor nicks, chips, worn paint and other cosmetic detail type of damage. One ivory fang appears to have been replaced many years ago, appearing a bit whiter than the other. Specifications: Overall Length: 51.5 cm Length of handle: 9 cm Length of body (less handle):42.5 cm Width of body at the widest point: 8.5 cm Width of body at the narrowest point: 3.5 cm Thickness of body at widest point: 4.5 cm Thickness of body at narrowest point:3.1 cm Overall blade Length: 27.5 cm Blade width under the habaki: 19.5 mm Blade thickness under the habaki: 5.3 mm Blade length from ha-machi to tip: 21.4 cm Habaki width: 21.9 mm Habaki height: 19 mm Habaki thickness: 10mm Shipping and handling to US places is $25 I have been in the business over 40 years and most collectors on the East Coast know me. I have been a Militaria Show promoter most of that time. I am a fair and honorable person. Winning bidder pays stated shipping and handling charges. Unless otherwise stated, there is a minimum $2.00 charge for insurance. If you DON'T want insurance, PLEASE tell us. Please make arrangements for payment within 10 days of the closing of the auction. For additional information about Snyder's Treasures; our return policy and acceptable payment methods, please see our eBay information page ("About Me"). We appreciate your bidding and your business. Thank You! Place a Bid!