tanto - Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers.. https://thebestantique.com Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers.. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:54:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://thebestantique.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-экрана-2016-01-25-в-14.45.29-e1453797921577-32x32.png tanto - Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers.. https://thebestantique.com 32 32 Japanese Tanto – Seki Kaneharo, Tenshō Era (1573) https://thebestantique.com/product/japanese-tanto-seki-kaneharo-tensho-era-1573/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=japanese-tanto-seki-kaneharo-tensho-era-1573 Wed, 21 May 2025 12:28:28 +0000 https://thebestantique.com/?post_type=product&p=16888 This exceptional Japanese tanto (短刀), attributed to the Mino school swordsmith Seki Kaneharo (関兼春) during the Tenshō era (1573–1592), represents the refined artistry and martial utility of late Sengoku-period blades. Certified by a Japanese sword appraisal body, this piece is paired with a richly adorned koshirae that exemplifies elite craftsmanship.

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]]> This exceptional Japanese tanto (短刀), attributed to the Mino school swordsmith Seki Kaneharo (関兼春) during the Tenshō era (1573–1592), represents the refined artistry and martial utility of late Sengoku-period blades. Certified by a Japanese sword appraisal body, this piece is paired with a richly adorned koshirae that exemplifies elite craftsmanship.

Specifications:

  • Type: Tanto (Japanese short sword)

  • Period: Tenshō era (1573–1592)

  • School: Mino-den (美濃伝)

  • Smith: Attributed to Seki Kaneharo (関兼春)

  • Signature: Mumei (無銘 – unsigned; suriage/tang shortened)

  • Grain Pattern (Jihada): Masame (straight)

  • Temper Line (Hamon): Gentle notare or maru

  • Tang: Suriage (磨上) – shortened

Mountings (Koshirae):

This tanto is housed in an elegant and traditional koshirae, designed for both visual appeal and functional durability:

  • Saya (Scabbard): High-gloss black lacquered ribbed saya with fine horizontal grooves for grip and style. Elegant and durable with a lacquered finish.

  • Kojiri, Koiguchi, and Kurikata: Fitted with matching gold metal mounts, subtly aged with patina, indicating fine craftsmanship and age-appropriate wear.

  • Sageo: Deep purple cord (sageo) secured in the kurikata, adding visual contrast and balance.

  • Tsuka (Handle): Covered in rose-violet ito (handle wrapping) over traditional white samegawa (ray skin), featuring gilded menuki and fuchi/kashira with detailed floral or possibly family crest motifs in gold and black.

  • Fittings: The fittings are tastefully decorated in gilt metal, consistent with higher-status swords, suggesting either ceremonial or high-ranking ownership.

Historical Context:

Forged during Japan’s era of unification under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, this tanto is a relic from a time of immense military activity and artistic expression. The Seki tradition of Mino province was known for forging practical yet beautiful blades, often favored by samurai for their battlefield reliability.

The elegant fittings suggest this tanto may have been used by a higher-ranking samurai or an individual of cultural distinction—possibly ceremonial or formal wear.

Blade Length: 28.4 cm
Blade Width: 2.8 cm
Blade Thickness: 0.6 cm
Overall Length (with Koshirae): 41.2 cm
Certificate: Included (Japanese sword appraisal paper with oshigata)

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