Tanto, Japan, circa 1820–1850 General view

Tant_ (knife) and sheath in steel, brass, silver, wood, and fabric. Work of Tadahiro, Hizen Province in Japan. Curved blade with a single edge. It has an extremely fine grain (nashiji). Its back has two sides that are wider at the heel and its tip is beveled. It is signed Hizen no Kuni noju Fujiwara Tada Iro, mid–19th century. The handle is covered with thick black granite and decorated with black laces. There is no tsuba. On the sides, there is an appliqué made of two laid-down helmets, in carved, embossed steel.
The sheath is made from black ribbed wood with a leather-like effect. It is presented with kozuka and kogai, decorated with dragons. The kozuka is trimmed to a heart shape and has an inscription. A strap-holder and a shell snap are included. The Menuki is decorated with gingasa (hats).
The fushi is signed Kansai, indicating that it dates from the 19th century.