Type: tanto koshirae with wooden blade Length: nagasa 32.8cm
This piece presents a complete tanto mounting (koshirae) fitted with a unique (perhaps mahogany?) wooden tsunagi. The koshirae exhibits refined workmanship and cohesive design throughout. The saya is finished in deep black ro-iro lacquer with a subtle texture. The tsuka is wrapped in dark blue ito in hineri-maki style over a high quality samegawa with large, uniform nodes. The tight and even wrap remains in excellent condition.
The fittings are of particular quality and appeal, each element of very high quality and a piece unto itself. The fuchi-kashira are shakudo, with incredibly detailed inlays of copper, shakudo and gold, depicting a falcon with outstretched wings and feathers rendered in gold and silver highlights. The falcon, symbol of nobility and martial prowess, was a favored theme among samurai, associated with vigilance and courage. The menuki, glimpsed beneath the ito, depict bundles of arrows, harmonizing with the overall motif of flight. The tsuba is a robust iron round plate (maru-gata) carved in low relief with floral arabesques and a wave pattern border, its patina aged to a rich chocolate tone. The seppa are simple copper, showing natural tarnish but sound condition. The habaki is a beautiful textured two piece design with silver and gold foils. The koiguchi, kurikata, and kojiri are all finished in matching lacquer, the surface retaining its glossy character with only small handling marks. The saya is gorgeous with its raised rings, and beautiful shitodome.
Taken together, the ensemble conveys the quiet elegance of a well-matched Edo-period koshirae, both functional and decorative. The deep blue tsuka, dark lacquered saya, and dark shakudō fittings with restrained gilt accents create a dignified presentation suitable for formal wear.
