Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Tanto (短刀), which literally means short sword. These could be in any number of different shapes, depending on the requests of the person who ordered it. The blade length of a tanto is typically between 15 and 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 inches), or 1 Japanese shaku, an ancient measurement. The blade of this example is in the typical "Hira Zukuri" shape, which means it is a blade without a shinogi, or ridge typical of longer blades. It comes as a complete set with matching black lacquered fittings, which are in very good condition.

This example dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. The blade tang shows some age, with a lovely patina, and is signed 秀 近 作 - HIDECHIKA SAKU, or "Made by Hidechika". There were several smiths under this name, and it looks to have been made during the mid portion of the Edo Period, probably during the mid 18th century.

The blade is old, which we can tell due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:

- The hole in the tang (meguki-ana) is punched, and not drilled.
- The blade is signed on the tang by the maker (mei).
- Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.
- Visible vibrant temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example is really in great shape, except for the very tip, which shows some past oxidation, now cleaned away. The polish is still in great shape, so the aspects of the blades construction can be fully appreciated without any specialized visualization techniques. The edge is still quite sharp, so care is needed, and there are no edge bends or chips we can see. Blade length is approximately 8 1/8" and overall length 12 5/8". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with a Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The blade shows a vibrant and clear SUGUHA (直刃 or straight) temper line (刃文 - HAMON), which shows lots of internal activity. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a lovely MOKUME (杢目 - Wood Burl) pattern, showing extensive lamination. The BOSHI (帽子 - tip temper line) is fully visible, and is a YAKIZUME (焼詰 - no turn back) shape. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

As with some smaller tanto we have seen, this example is fitted almost like a KAIKEN, with minimized fittings. There is no TSUBA (cross guard), and the TSUKA (Handle) is a simple type, without a FUCHI (grip collar) or any ornaments. It is coated with black lacquer, and originally had gold highlighting on the end, but this has mostly flaked away. The handle is held on with one wooden securing peg, which is a recent replacement. The HABAKI blade collar is a silver / white metal type typical of the Edo Period.

The Scabbard (saya) is in very good condition, covered with a lovely gloss black enamel finish matching the handle. It has a small hanger ring on an ornate fitting, and is highlighted on both ends with gold paint. There is also a Go-san no Kiri (五三桐 - 3-5 Pawlonia seal) emblem in gold. This is an ancient and well known crest in Japan, and currently is the emblem of both the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Guard Headquarters. This was originally a private crest used by the Imperial Family, and use was granted (or taken) by powerful families during Japanese history. There are many different designs of the "Kiri Mon", but its use on this tanto indicates ownership by someone of some stature.

A very nice Japanese Tanto short sword from the Edo period with a great blade, signed by the maker and in some very nice fittings! Ready to research and display!

Specifications :
Blade Length: 8 1/8"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 12 5/8“
Scabbard Length: 10 3/4"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.