Edo period Morichika Japanese Tanto Short Sword

Edo period (1603-1868) Japanese short sword called Tanto, signed by Swordsmith Morichika. He was a swordsmith from the late Edo period (1855-1868) known for forging swords in the city of Edo. Originally from Nagano prefecture, he moved to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). He forged swords based on traditional methods and his work is considered historically significant for the period. The Tanto was worn by the samurai class of Feudal Japan, and dates to the Heian period (764-1185). The Tanto is also associated with the Seppuku, a suicidal ritual. The blade is mint, spotless. The blade is also Unokubi, an uncommon Tanto style, the back of the blade grows abruptly thinner around the middle of the blade, for a stunning effect on style. The koshirae is also interesting and in excellent shape for age, some small spots of loss to lacquer. Circa 1850, signed, no papers, with silk bag. 14 inches L in koshirae, blade measures 9.5 inches L x 1 inch W.