Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunitsugu)

The Largest Dagger by Rai Kunitsugu

The Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunitsugu) (短刀〈銘来国次〉) is a Kamakura-period tanto by Rai Kunitsugu, location not disclosed (private collection), which in 1955 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 32.7 centimetres long with a curvature of 0.1 centimetres, 3.3 centimetres wide at the base and a tang of 9.7 centimetres, first designated under the old system in 1937.

According to the Agency, Rai Kunitsugu excelled above all at daggers.

The Blade

According to the Agency, it is flat-sided with a three-faced back, broad, very slightly curved and somewhat long. The steel shows a tight fine grain with faint Rai texture on both faces, bright crystals and dark lines.

The temper line is a gentle wave mixed with half-circles, rich in legs and leaves, deep and crystalline, with sweeping lines and golden streaks in places. Grooves run the length of both faces. The tang is unaltered, with one peg hole and a three-character signature.

What to Look For

The Agency notes that Kunitsugu's long swords are few and less accomplished than his daggers. This is the largest of his tanto, generous in its temper line and brilliant with crystals, showing strong influence from the Soshu tradition.

Notice its generous length and the brilliance of its temper line.

Visiting the Tanto Dagger (signed Rai Kunitsugu)

It is privately owned, and no official information on viewing could be found.