Shintō Tantō With Shishi And Peony Decorations – Japan, 17th Century, Edo Period

Japan, 17th century

Edo period (1603–1868), Shintō period

A beautiful Japanese tantō from the Shintō period, preserved in a richly decorated mount (koshirae) characterized by the quality and great consistency of its decoration.

The blade, of the hira-zukuri shape with an iori-mune profile, features a straight temper line (hamon) of the suguha type. This terminology conforms to the traditional nomenclature of Japanese blades. (Index of Japanese Swords)

It is fitted with a silver habaki.

The hilt (tsuka), covered in white stingray skin (samegawa) beneath black braiding, is adorned with a pair of menuki depicting shishi, notable for their eyes delicately accented with gold.

The fuchi-kashira features a rich design of peonies blooming among their foliage, enlivened by gold and silver inlays. The small iron tsuba harmoniously echoes this floral motif, with petals and flowers also accented with precious metals.

The set thus explores the traditional theme of the shishi and the peony (karajishi botan), symbolically combining the power of the mythical lion with the magnificence of the flower.

The saya, made of black lacquered wood with a star-like pattern, retains its particularly interesting kozuka. The kozuka, made of a dark alloy with inlays of gilded copper, is decorated with a delicate genre scene depicting figures playing go during a tea ceremony. The small blade (kogatana) is signed.

The kojiri, made of a combination of copper and iron, features an original geometric design imitating a woven or cane pattern.

With its rich fittings, the variety of techniques employed, and above all the remarkable decorative unity of its koshirae, this tantō is a beautiful example of the Japanese art of swordsmithing and tosogu from the Edo period.

In very good condition.

Dimensions:

Total length: 41.5 cm

Blade length: 36 cm

Nagasa: 28.8 cm

Blade weight: 178 g

Appraisal and previous provenance: FCP Coridon, Paris – ref. LP3657.