Uzushio (渦潮): the whirlpool
The uzushio are the tidal whirlpools of the Naruto Strait in Japan, among the largest in the world. Formed by the tides, these rotating vortices have captivated observers for centuries and inspired countless artists, among them Hiroshige.
This tanto carries that motion across every element: damascus steel that seems to spiral, a guard formed of concentric undulating rings, and a saya traced with sinuous white lines like shifting currents.
A blade in swirling damascus steel
The blade is crafted in damascus steel, produced by layering and folding multiple sheets of steel. Here, the process brings forth a swirling pattern of light and dark grey, visible along the full length of the blade and revealed by a satin polish.
The geometry follows shinogi-zukuri proportions. There is neither hamon nor bo-hi, allowing the damascus whirlpool to assert itself without distraction.
A black mounting with concentric rings
The kawari-gata tsuba in blackened ferrous alloy is pierced (sukashi) with several concentric undulating rings, echoing the ripples of a vortex, with a polished black surface (migaki) and an undulating rim. A gilt brass seppa accompanies it.
The fuchi and kashira in polished blackened alloy are plain. The handle pairs wood with a white faux ray skin, wrapped in a black tsuka-ito in hineri-maki. The ichimai habaki in gilt brass carries diagonal striations in a neko-gaki style.
A black saya with sinuous white lines
The saya is crafted from solid wood, coated in a high-gloss black lacquer with a kawari-nuri decoration of sinuous white lines. The koiguchi is lacquered black, and the rounded maru kojiri extends the decorative scheme. The black-lacquered kurikata with a gilt shitodome holds a black-and-white cotton sageo.
Dimensions and handling of the tanto
With a blade of 33 cm and an overall length of 55 cm, Uzushio is a tanto of fine proportions. Its 17 cm handle sits firmly in a single hand. At 0.7 kg, it remains remarkably light. Sheathed, it measures 57 cm, a format that shows its graphic character to full advantage on a display stand.
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