{"product_id":"original-japanese-edo-period-o-tanto-short-sword-with-lacquered-scabbard-handmade-blade","title":"Original Japanese Edo Period O-Tanto Short Sword with Lacquered Scabbard - Handmade Blade","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 is in the typical \"Hira Zukuri\" shape, which means it is a blade without a shinogi, or ridge typical of longer blades. With a blade 12 1\/2\" long, it is a bit longer than typical, so these are termed \"O-Tanto\", as it is technically long enough to be a Wakizashi. It comes as a complete set with lacquered decorative scabbard and Kogatana, which fits into a slot in the scabbard.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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. We estimate it was from the early 17th century portion. The tang on this blade definitely shows advanced age, and numerous refits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is old, we are told ancient, due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:\u003cbr\u003e - The two holes in the tang (meguki-ana) are punched, and not drilled.\u003cbr\u003e - Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.\u003cbr\u003e- Blade has a BO'HI (fuller) near the spine.\u003cbr\u003e - Faintly Visible temper line (\"hamon\") running full length of blade cutting edge.\u003cbr\u003e - Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.\u003cbr\u003e- Ware and Fukure Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no signature on this blade, so it is considered 無名 (mumei), or \"anonymous\". Sometimes these blades were never signed, or the signature may have worn away due to oxidation over the years. This blade is definitely quite old, probably from the 17th or 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice condition, the blade does show use and cleaning since the last polishing, which has made the aspects of the blade a bit faint. There are just a few small areas of light peppering and staining, and the edge is still quite sharp, with some light denting in areas. Blade length is approximately 12 1\/2\" and overall length 19\". Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it is very faint, the blade also does have a hamon (temper line), which looks to be a very active GUNOME MIDARE (Irregular zig zag) with KINSUJI and SUNAGASHI in and above. There are clear NIE crystals visible, as well as NIOI cloudiness. The blade must be held in the light to see it in the reflection. There are multiple lamination lines visible throughout the blade. It looks to have MOKURE (wood burn) HADFA (grain) to the JI (body) of the blade, and there are some blade wounds, mostly ware (lamination lines). There are also some FUKURE (carbon pits) near the BO'HI on the right side of the blade. These confirm that it is a true laminated blade. Due to wear to the polish, the Boshi is not visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tsuka (handle) has a lovely decorative oval bronze tsuba (cross guard) with a tree branch one one side, and a house by a tree on the other. The Tsuba has a Hitsu-ana (accessory hole) for the Kozuka (kogatana handle), as does the single seppa, but there is none included. The fuchi (collar) and Kashira (End Cap) are both iron and in good shape. Very good stingray Sa-Me Skin (grip) with complete Ito (cloth binding), holding two menuki (grip ornaments) in place, which look to be small dogs. The habaki (blade collar) is copper or bronze, typical for blades from the Edo period. There is a single wooden mekugi (peg) holding the handle on, which looks to be original. The Scabbard (saya) is in good condition, covered with a very nice swirl textured lacquer. The Kurikata (scabbard knob) is still present, as is the accessory slot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice Edo Period O-Tanto with decorative scabbard, ready to add to your Japanese collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 12 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: \"Hira Zukuri\" tanto\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 19“\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 14 1\/2\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39705514180677,"sku":"ONSV21NSH178","price":1595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV21NSH178__15.jpg?v=1640914603","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-japanese-edo-period-o-tanto-short-sword-with-lacquered-scabbard-handmade-blade","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}