Type: Tanto (Mumei, Unsigned)

Item No.: ujta009

Swordsmith: Unknown

Location: Mino (Gifu prefecture)

Period: Late Muromachi Period (~1500)

Length: 25.8cm

Hamon: Gunome (abrupt undulating) and Kochoji (small cloves)

Certification: NBTHK HOZON (A Sword Worthy of Conservation Certificate from the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword)

Included: Silk brocade carry bag, sword maintenance kit, illustrated maintenance guide, sword stand, full exportation support to send sword to home country

Tantos may not get all the fame that katanas enjoy, but they were just as depended upon by the Samurai (if not more) when lives were at stake. Easily concealed, and purposeful in hand-to-hand combat.

This is a sword from the Mino province (modern day Gifu prefecture). Mino swords were renowned for their sharpness, able to penetrate armor with a skilled thrust. This piece is a very sharp hira-zukuri (flat type) tanto that about 500 years old.

This sword was carefully examined by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Swords) and it was given a a Hozon certification (worthy of conservation) . This certification increases and helps preserve the value of the sword.

What makes this piece extremely unique is its beautifully finished keiyaki (Japanese elm) wooden handle. Keiyaki wood was used to make some of Japan’s most prestigious furniture, as it has an reputation for elegance and durability.

Another charming point to this tanto is the bold dragonfly on the fuchi (collar) and the matsu (pine) symbol on the bottom side that secures the handle.

The Samurai revered the dragonfly because when they flew, they flew forward and never retreated. It is a symbol of their shared determination and bravery.

Overall this is a splendid collectible.

A 4% discount is offered for payments made directly to Unique Japan by direct bank transfer or in cash (dollars or yen).   An attractive layaway plan is also available as listed below. Contact us to purchase this sword.

Unique Japan is proud to offer a convenient layaway plan for our valued customers.   If you are interested in purchasing this sword on layaway, simply contact us here for more information. The general terms of our layaway plan are outlined here.

If you are an American citizen living on Okinawa, we encourage layaway plans to use the services of G.I. Bill Pay, whom we have an account with.   They can create a cost-effective payment plan that works best for you.

If you are interested in this sword and others from our collection, please contact us to book an appointment. Private meetings are generally arranged within the Tokyo area.

Unique Japan is able to ship swords from Japan to countries all over the world.   All legal exportation paperwork is included with every purchase.  Please allow about 4 weeks for us to process and ship an order from Japan.  Dealers welcome.