Tanto Of Exceptional Dimensions. Japan, Edo Period.

This Japanese weapon has unusual dimensions; its proportions are those of a tanto rather than a wakizashi. In one of the photos, it is shown with a standard-sized tanto, allowing the size difference to be appreciated. The blade bears several clearly legible characters, which will help identify the swordsmith. It has been rubbed, the temper is worn away, and the handle has three holes, indicating numerous reassemblies. The mounts are of excellent quality, decorated with children and toys in shakudo inlaid with sentoku and shibuichi. They are unsigned. The scabbard is made of wood covered with lacquer in shades of orange-brown, glittered with a mother-of-pearl nashiji. The space intended for the kozuka is 30mm wide, but no kozuka exists with a width exceeding 15mm, or even 16mm. What was the purpose of creating this oversized weapon? It's an enigma. Despite its missing parts, this weapon, by virtue of its size, is an exceptional object. No other examples are known. Blade: 48cm. Overall length: 65cm. Japan, Edo period (17th-19th centuries).