Artwork preview

Blade and Mounting for a Dagger (Tantō)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Silver-colored blade with a curved shape, tapering to a point at the tip. The blade's edge faces right. The blade's back is straight then curves to meet the edge. The blade's base is flat and has two small circular holes, one above the other. The base of the blade appears to have a darker-colored section. The background is black. This is a blade and mounting for a dagger called a Tantō by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
blade, late 19th century; mounting, late 19th century
Medium
Steel, wood, lacquer, baleen, gold, silver
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
216 × 623 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette