An unusual tanto

[IanB]

As an alternative to the usual pairs of socks or sweater, I like to ensure at least one Christmas present is exciting to receive even though I have to buy it myself. Last Christmas my gift from me to me (how selfish can you get?) was this rather unusual tanto. As you can see, the blade is in the form of a leaf-shaped spear head. Although it has a typical yari habaki, in shakudo, I suspect it may have always been intended for a tanto as the signature 'Kanesaki saku'  兼先作 is just below the habaki, rather than further down what would normally be a yari tang. This appears to be the work of Mino Kanesaki, real name Heki Isuke, who worked around the end of the Muromachi period and later moved to Bizen. It is mounted with a hilt covered with rather distressed Dutch leather, and a saya decorated with dull, black lacquer swirls over polished black lacquer sprinkled with fine green abalone specks. There is a ko-kogatana with a brass blade, the hilt measuring only 8.5cm x 0.9cm in shibuichi decorated with a closed fan in silver. This is signed in soshu ?? and a kao. 

[Brian]

Didn't upload for some reason. Just edit the original one and re-upload it?

[Jwrussell]

Huh. Super weird. Very interesting.

[Brian]

Lovely item Ian. I would have also thought converted yari, but what you say about the mei makes sense.

[Bugyotsuji]

Kinkarakawa tsukamaki. Most unusual package all round Ian, and in pretty good condition too, considering. I can see why you liked this.