Seppuku knife with dragon horimono

[browntrout]

[Mikaveli]

I don't think that's a Japanese blade / holster. Looks Chinese/ made for tourists to me?

[browntrout]

Mikaveli, this is what I commented to my mentor, that is was a Chinese made reproduction, who has been in this business for more than 40 years now. He thought I was wrong, and that I should take it seriously for my colleague, so I am doing that, as I know I have limitations in this area of study, while you guys are far superior to me in it... thus the posting! Thank you, with gratitude, Greg. 

[Mikaveli]

Mine's only a fairly novice opinion, but the horimono appears very quickly done (mass produced), the edge / "hamon" looks artificial, the tang narrowing like a kitchen knife is unexpected - as is the belt holster.

 

Other than pitting/ rust, I can't see any surface pattern or workmanship that would lead me to think it was traditionally made.

 

What's the history of the item? Why / where was it described as a "seppuku knife"?

[browntrout]

Well Mikaveli, my colleague gave me no history about them, but I will ask and get back to you on it. I suspect, from the two katana's, that these were brought back from WWII by a soldier, likely the owner or their father, but I will need to ask, and will do so, Greg. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Way back when, there was a time when working people carried a Tosu/Toshi 刀子 (small knife) (sheath knife) in the mawashi at the back for everyday jobs. Could this not be Ainu, BTW?

[browntrout]

Bugyotsuji, I wish I was as educated as you are about this, as I would love to give an answer... but alas, that is why I am here asking much more knowledgeable folk for help! Thank you for the thought, I can look into that, as it is at least a lead! Sincerely, Greg. 

[browntrout]

BUGYOTSUJI, I think you may had a very good idea about this possibly being an "Ainu" knife. They are apparently called Makiri (also simply meaning "small sword" in the Ainu language). However, the Ainu sheaths and handles are almost always shaped differently than this one, which looks more like a tiny katana or tanto. So, I think your first thought of it being a "Tosu/Toshi 刀子 (small knife) (sheath knife)" is likely the accurate one. However, I understand why it MAY BE Ainu, due to the carved scabbard and blade... Check these links out: https://www.mandarin...sion.com/type/makiri, and this, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:National_Museum_of_Ethnology,_Osaka_-_Small_knife_(Makiri).jpg,

 

 

However, look what I just found for Suppuku knife in a search, almost the same dragon on the blade - but both of these seem awfully short... could this be a poor samurai's knife, or, better yet, a fake one for tourists in the late 1800's into the 1900s, or even occupation period for troop souvenirs? https://www.liveauct...orimono-dragon-blade. The other suppuku blades all seem to be longer then these... Anyway, just looking and thinking using your help. 

 

Thank you again, Greg. 

 

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

切腹 the formal word 'Seppuku' = cut+stomach/abdomen (or more popularly used in the West, 腹切り 'Harakiri' = stomach cutting) was traditionally performed by people of Bushi ranking/status with a good blade, in pristine condition.

 

Anyone carrying such a utility knife would not be permitted to perform seppuku with it, well, not formally, unless they were desperate for something, anything at hand... and then it would be called 自刃Jijin = die by your own blade/hand, not necessarily cutting the abdomen, but the throat etc.

 

For this reason, Greg, I do not think searches using the word 'seppuku' would be historically valid, as its primary purpose would surely not have been for seppuku.

 

Incidentally, there was plenty of crossover in weaponry between the Ainu, outcasts, and Karyudo/Matagi hunters, i.e. people outside regular Japanese society. It could even be such a hybrid piece.

[browntrout]

Bugyutsuji,

 

Interesting, thanks for the lesson! Always good to expand understanding. You know, I thought about the hybrid idea, but thought I may be talking out of, well, you know! Also, in searching for seppuku "knives" I saw that it said this was almost always done with a tanto or wakazashi (katana being too long), not a smaller knife like this, so your info makes a lot of sense! 

 

I have been printing out everyones comments for a file, for future reference! Very cool to interact with knowledgeable, skilled people, and it always humbles me, thanks, Greg.