East Asia, Japan, late Edo to early Meiji period, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. An elegant samurai's tanto, a short blade meant to accompany the katana and wakizashi. It has a slightly curved, single-edged steel blade, formed in the shobu-zukuri style, and a saya (scabbard) comprised of unpolished, caramel-hued wood. The tsuka (handle) is comprised of similar wood as that used for the scabbard, with a pair of miniscule perforated ivory discs adorning the pin which secures the tang inside. A small ovoid ivory separation disc rests at the area where the handle meets the blade, and two similar unperforated discs cap the ends of the handle and scabbard. Size (with scabbard): 10" L (25.4 cm); size (without scabbard): 9.25" L (23.5 cm).

Shobu-zukuri refers to the style in which a blade is constructed. Shobu, meaning "iris," and zukuri, referring to the blade form, mean that the blade has a form similar to an iris leaf. This style differs from a similar blade form, known as unokubi-zukuri, because it lacks the unokubi's signature groove lines along the beveled edges. Though requiring fewer man-hours to complete than the unokubi, shobu-zukuri is still a beautiful and equally-deadly blade typology.

Tanto knives were typically worn by samurai along with the katana and wakizashi, though it was the weapon of choice amongst women of all societal classes. Typically worn alone, tanto such as this example would be a quick and efficient means of protecting one's self in the event of danger or attack. This knife is most commonly associated with women and the practice of seppuku, ritual suicide by disembowelment, in order to avoid bringing shame or dishonor to themselves or their families.

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired by his father before 1970

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#125794

One ivory disc missing near opening of scabbard. Expected age-commensurate surface wear, light oxidation and abrasions to blade, light discoloration to handle and scabbard, and small chips to ivory discs. Nice light-brown patina on all exterior surfaces.