Rare Antique Korean Jangdo Knife

The name “Jangdo” for this knife appeared during the early Choson (1392 -1905) period.  During the Choson dynasty the “sadeabu” or gentry class always carried the Unjangdo.  The "un" before the "jangdo" designates that the knife parts other than the blade were made of silver.  Only the gentry, however, had the silver Jangdo called Unjangdo. The wealthy class were afraid of being poisoned and would use the silver on the knife to dip in their soup to see if there was poison there.  This particular knife has no silver on it.  it was made and used by wealthy commoners.

It was made during latter part of the Chosun Dynasty (1392 to 1896), most probably around 1850.  It is beautifully made with superb details and craftmanship.

Depending on how you like to have the condition of your antiques, you can leave it as it is in its traditional original condition or you can polish the metal and wooden parts to make it gleam. 

Women used eunjungdos for self-defense. When women wore jang they had a breast-tie, called paedo and pocket called nangdo.

The material used to make eunjangdos is silver and the blade is steel. Some eunjangdos' sword blades were engraved with single-minded devotion, because eunjangdos were a symbol of fidelity for women.

Some eunjangdos contain chopsticks, so that when people eat out, they can use chopsticks that they know are safe from poisoning. Men used them to protect against poison and for a handy self defense weapon.

The blade is 3" long.  The chopsticks are 4.75" long.

shows fitting
Knife assembled

The red arrow points to tiny knobs that allow your fingernail to easily slide the chopsticks out of the case.

details
money back
Money back guarantee, no questions asked.
During the more than 50 years I lived in the Orient I owned an antique store and also had a large personal collection of antiques. I was a member of the Okinawa Antique Dealers and Collectors Association through which I acquired many of my pieces.

During the more than 50 years I lived in the Orient I owned an antique store and also had a large personal collection of antiques. I was a member of the Okinawa Antique Dealers and Collectors Association through which I acquired many of my pieces.

Of the many items I am selling now, those I acquired through the association will carry with them our original 60 day guarantee of authenticity. This item comes with that Certificate of Origin, pictured here.

 Now, back in the United States, and my being 83 years old it is time for me to give up my personal collection, a piece at a time.  I offer a 100% money back guarantee on this antique for any reason at all.  Simply return it undamaged within 30 days and you will receive a full refund. Sometimes even experts disagree on the exact age of a piece. That is why I offer a refund simply because you request it. Many of my treasures I have personally owned for more than 50 years and many I acquired from families who had passed the items down through the generations. Because antiques sometimes require careful packing, the customer is responsible for safe return shipping of any item returned for a refund.

certificate of origin

certificate of origin

You will receive this certificate along with your purchase