Tanto Dagger (unsigned, by Masamune; known as Kuki Masamune)

An Outstanding Unsigned Dagger by Masamune

The Tanto Dagger (unsigned, by Masamune; known as Kuki Masamune) (短刀〈無銘正宗（名物九鬼正宗）〉) is an unsigned Kamakura-period tanto by Masamune at the Hayashibara Museum of Art in Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, which in 1957 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 24.8 centimetres long and 2.3 centimetres wide at the base, owned by Nagase Viita Co., Ltd., first designated under the old system in 1937.

According to the Agency, it takes the name Kuki Masamune from its former owner, Kuki Nagato no Kami, and is listed in the Kyoho register of famous swords.

The Blade

According to the Agency, it is a standard flat-sided tanto with a three-faced back, curved inward. The steel shows a tight wood grain with thick crystals and frequent dark lines. The temper line is a gentle wave mixed with half-circles, rich in legs and leaves, deep, with somewhat coarse crystals in clusters, sweeping lines and golden streaks.

The point pattern is irregular and swept, turning back long. A groove runs on the back face, and the tang is unaltered, pointed, with sloping file marks, two peg holes and no signature.

What to Look For

The Agency notes that few of Masamune's works are signed, with only a handful of signed daggers; this one is especially fine among his works and in sound condition.

It has come down as an unsigned Masamune dagger with its original tang.

Visiting the Tanto Dagger (unsigned, by Masamune; known as Kuki Masamune)

The dagger is at the Hayashibara Museum of Art and is not always on display; check the museum's schedule.