Blade and Mounting for a Dagger (Tantō) 1525 - 1900

This is the blade and mounting for a tantō, or dagger, made around 1500-1550 by the Japanese artist Kuniyoshi. The visual experience of this blade is immediately striking: a sleek, silvery form isolated against stark darkness. Notice the elongated, tapering shape, which speaks to its function. The curvature creates a sense of tension. This formal interplay between line and form is crucial to its impact. The dagger challenges fixed categories. It is both a work of art and an instrument of functionality. The reflective surface of the blade makes it ambiguous, blurring the boundaries of representation. The dagger's materiality—the cold steel and the worn mounting—speak to the history of its making and usage. The dichotomy of form and function destabilizes the meaning. This tension suggests a tool of efficiency with artistic expression, embodying a philosophy where beauty and utility coexist. The re-interpretation of its significance continues today.