Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunimitsu, known as Uraku Rai Kunimitsu)

The Dagger of Oda Uraku

The Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunimitsu, known as Uraku Rai Kunimitsu) (短刀〈銘来国光（名物有楽来国光）〉) is a Kamakura-period tanto by Rai Kunimitsu owned by Token Corporation, operator of the Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, which in 1955 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 27.7 centimetres long with no curvature, first designated under the old system in 1931.

According to the Agency, it takes the name Uraku Rai Kunimitsu from Oda Uraku, who treasured it; it is listed in the Kyoho register of famous swords and was long kept by the Maeda family.

The Blade

The Agency describes it as broader than anything by Kunimitsu's father, Rai Kunitoshi, with a strongly crystalline irregular temper line; somewhat long and sturdy, with strong steel and a vigorous temper line typical of the smith.

The Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum notes its broad, thick, powerful form, a large clove-pattern temper line mixed with half-circles, a fine, flowing grain, and a carved sword motif on the outer face.

What to Look For

The museum relates that Oda Uraku (Nagamasu), Nobunaga's youngest brother and a tea master, received it from Toyotomi Hideyori and later passed it, through the appraiser Hon'ami Koho, to Maeda Toshitsune, after which it remained in the Maeda family.

The museum notes that the Kyoho register of famous swords valued it at five thousand kan.

Visiting the Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunimitsu, known as Uraku Rai Kunimitsu)

Check the Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum's schedule for display.