As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this superbly mounted large Tanto or small Wakisashi , the blade is from the Koto period (pre 1600) and is signed on the Tang in a two character signature that reads Kanefusa, this is almost certainly the smith active in the Mino Provence around 1502-1532 , the blade is 35 cm long to the habaki notch and in 90% lovely original Japanese polish condition, the blade has been mounted in what in our opinion can only be described as the finest quality fittings , obviously for an important or wealthy individual or imperial presentation. The mounts are as follows. Fuchi Kashira are the very finest (almost microscopic) shakudo nanako (ie fish roe stipple) with superb mixed metal onlay depicting chrysanthemums. The menuki are shakudo and gilt depicting tied bunches of flowers with cherry blossom prominent, the same (ray skin) wrap is of the best quality and pure white, the binding is tied in pale gold jabara silk multi thread c...