Tanto, Japan, circa 1820–1850

Tanto (knife) and sheath in steel, silver, wood, gold, fabric, and shagreen. Japanese workmanship. The blade has one cutting edge with a median edge. The back is wide, beveled, and has a long counter-blade (Masame grain). It is also composed of a copper reinforcement plate. It has an archaic shape and is reminiscent of what is called a Koga Matsumaru blade. It is signed under the name Nakago: Kunisha, dated Shochu year 3 (1326). The inscription is fake. In reality, this piece dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century. The blade of the Kogatana is signed Terumasa. The handle has the following features: oval scalloped Tsuba and openwork pierced. In white shagreen with brown braided cords. Menuki: quiver. Mekugi-Ana. Kashira: slightly covered by the braided cords. The sheath is made from lacquered and grooved black wood for the upper third, and in sanded red wood with five geometric motifs. The kogatana has an inscription. The handle has a decoration of golden grids and stylized flowers. The decoration: Tsuba: Damascene flowers (petals) on a black background. Kashira, Fuchi, strap-holder, snap: same decoration as the Kogatana handle.