This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
RAI KUNITOSHI (ACTIVE 1280-1315)
Dagger (tantō)
blade, c.1300; mount 1750-1850Steel, lacquered wood, gold, silver, copper alloy, silk, ray skin | 4.0 cm (Width) x 3.0 cm (Depth); 37.5 cm (Length) (whole object) | RCIN 62626
The simple mounting of this dagger hides the fact that the blade is extremely early – dating to c.1300. It is signed by Rai Kunitoshi, one of the foremost tantō makers of all time. The tiny gilt crane on the hilt is a menuki, said to improve the user’s grip in combat.
