ANCIENT BLADE**C1681-1684 Japanese Tanto With U-No-Kubi Zukuri (Cormorant’s Neck Shape) Blade Smith Signed ‘KIN (Or) KANE CHIKA’, Protective Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts, Scabbard & Expert Assessment Knives

**ANCIENT BLADE**C1681-1684 Japanese Tanto With U-No-Kubi Zukuri (Cormorant’s Neck Shape) Blade Smith Signed ‘KIN (Or) KANE CHIKA’, Protective Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20448 - 20448

This is an ancient Japanese tanto blade which has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment notes accompany this Tanto. Extracts from the assessment and notes include “Tanto in Shira saya resting mounts. Blade is U-No-Kubi Zukuri (Looks Like Cormorant’s Neck Shape From Back).Put in Shira saya after polisjhing. In good old polish showing good forging with small itame grain & a broad band of Nioi crystals following shape of a gunome midare hamon temperline. Signed with 2 kanji name can be read 2 ways Kin Chika / Kane Chika. I read it kane Chika. There is one Smith in my books using this signature working in Yamato full name is Kikuichi Monju Omi Kami Kane Chika Circa 1681-1684. This could be him, needs more research to pinpoint him. A dramatic looking Tanto”. In his illustrations of the blade he adds “cutting edge is 26cms, total length is just under 36.5 sms and identifies the habaki as “good quality 2 piece copper”. He also describes other blade and tang characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price for this ancient blade with original expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 20448

£1,200.00