Nagasa: 26.5 cm
This elegant unsigned tantō features a striking horimono carving depicting the sacred Kurikara Dragon emerging and twisting through crashing waves on one side of the blade. The reverse bears a finely engraved Sanskrit bonji character, a traditional Buddhist motif associated with spiritual protection and esoteric faith.
The Kurikara Dragon is one of the most revered subjects found on Japanese swords, symbolizing the triumph of wisdom over worldly attachments. Such carvings were often commissioned not only for their artistic beauty but also for their protective and religious significance.
The blade is forged in the classical hira-zukuri form and exhibits a graceful, well-proportioned silhouette. The combination of elaborate dragon carving and Buddhist inscription suggests that this tantō was intended as both a functional weapon and a personal devotional object.
Based on the style of the horimono and overall construction, the blade is likely attributable to the late Edo period, when highly decorative sword carvings became especially popular among skilled craftsmen.
A visually impressive example of a traditional Japanese tantō, distinguished by its powerful religious symbolism and finely executed artistic workmanship.