Anonymous

Edo period 19th century

1615-1868

Tanto

A shin-shinto tanto blade mounted as an aikuchi (Dagger with flush-fitting hilt and scabbard). The saya and handle are of lacquered cherry bark inlaid with small metal ants crawling up and down as if alive and fittings are made of stag antler. The blade its self is a very heavy tanto blade with broad sugu-ha and indistinct itame-hada.

Unsigned

Size 345mm x 40mm