Description: THE BLADE Japan, Edo period, c. 17th century The blade has a lean shape with iori-mune and shinogi-zukuri, the hada is obscured, possibly masame, the hamon is gunome with nie. The tang cannot be opened. The sheath is impaired towards the tip. THE MOUNTING Japan, Meiji period The mounting is the main attractions in terms of quality here. The saya, tsuka and tsuba are fine works in enamel cloisonné showing furious celestial dragons in the clouds. The background is black, the dragons are grey, bluish to light brown. They are scaled, coiled and have fangs, barbels and grim expressions. The same motif on the mokkogata tsuba which shows four inome excerpts. The entire metal mounting with sayajiri, semegane, tsuka-gashira, etc. is stylistically synchronous and the ashi-kanamono offer another dragon motif, but this time engraved. The obitori in original condition with leather and silk elements. The mounting Kyoto workshop, in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki. Condition: The mounting in generally good condition, with expected wear to the enamel. Minor damage around the Mekugi-nakago; the blade in extensively worn condition Provenance: From an Important Austrian private collection, acquired before 1930 Compare to a similar cloisonné enamel scabbard, likely from the same workshop, sold at Bonhams 16th May 2013, lot 551.