Japanese short knife help

[Bob Coleman]

Any ideas on the Menuki?
A word I just learned.
Any web sites that would teach me?
Thanks again.
jfig

The design of the menuki appear to be shi-shi, which are lion dogs. They are average quality and not highly detailed.

[tejanofig]

I tried using the penny and there does seem to be a faint wavy line across the edge.
Its about 3/8 inch in height at its highest.
Interesting way to find this.
Thank you all again.
As to how I found it-it was an estate sale. I was told there were swords in the garage so I went but there were two big guys in front of me.
The items were in the corner and so I was faced with two big butts that did not allow me to see what was there.
So I did the next best thing-I got on all fours and stuck in my hand between the two guys and pulled this beauty out. Did not know what I was reaching for. Just pulled out the first thing I felt. The whole affair was not a pretty sight.
Ends up being the only cool thing as the rest were odd knives and sword blades. Mostly Filipino.
jfig