JAPAN - 15th-16th century Koto tanto Signed (mei) : Bishu Osafune Sukesada Blade (sugata): hira zukuri, iori mune Tempering pattern (hada): masame Tempering line (hamon): suguha and komidare Rocket (nakago): ubu keitai, haagari nakagojiri, two mekugi ana Length (nagasa): 25.4 cm (Small accident to the kissaki). Mounting (koshira-e) Mounted in aikuchi -tsuba: shibuichi hamidashi inlaid with gilt copper taka zogan and quail shakudo. H. 5.2 cm - fuchi kashira: fuchi in shibuichi and inlaid with suaka and sentoku of snail and bee, signed Yasuchika (the kashira is missing). -menuki: a menuki in shibuichi and suaka of branch and insect - habaki: in gilded copper. Scabbard (saya): In red lacquer with hira maki-e decoration in gold and black lacquer and kirigane of butterflies in tall grass. Handle (tsuka): in lacquer imitating wood, with inlays. Expert : Cabinet Portier et Associés