Tanto Dagger (signed Kunimitsu)

A Typical Masterpiece of Shintogo Kunimitsu

The Tanto Dagger (signed Kunimitsu) (短刀〈銘国光〉) is a Kamakura-period tanto by Shintogo Kunimitsu, location not disclosed (private collection), which in 1954 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 23.2 centimetres long, curved inward, 2.2 centimetres wide at the base with a tang of 8.8 centimetres, first designated under the old system in 1931.

According to the Agency, it is by Shintogo Kunimitsu; reliably signed works by him are fairly numerous, but only two or three, including the Aizu Shintogo, are of this quality.

The Blade

According to the Agency, it is flat-sided with a three-faced back, curved inward and rather small. The steel is a tight fine grain with thick crystals and frequent dark lines. The temper line is a medium straight line, deep and crystalline, with sweeping lines and abundant golden streaks.

The point pattern is straight with a small round turn, also with golden streaks. A sword motif is carved on the front and a Sanskrit character on the back. The tang is almost unaltered, with a chestnut-shaped end, sloping file marks and three peg holes, one filled.

What to Look For

The Agency praises its elegant inward-curving form despite its small size, and especially the activity within the temper line, valuing it as a typical work of Kunimitsu.

Notice the golden streaks and sweeping lines within the straight temper line.

Visiting the Tanto Dagger (signed Kunimitsu)

It is privately owned and its location is not disclosed; no official information on viewing could be found.