Luxury collector's tantō Dokuro no Sakurabana, Tamahagane steel, Notare-Midare Hamon

Product detailed description

Tantó Dokuro no Sakurabana – Beauty, harmony, and honor in a single blade

The Samurai's Path

Tantó Dokuro no Sakurabana (髑髏の桜花) – “Skull of Cherry Blossom” – is an exceptional work of art that merges the spirit of samurai Japan with masterful craftsmanship. This unique piece symbolizes the balance between life and transience – as understood by the ancient masters of the Bushidō path.

Tamahagane Steel – The Heart of a Japanese Sword

The blade is forged from legendary Japanese tamahagane steel – a material produced traditionally in a tatara furnace. This demanding process requires perfect temperature control and the intuition of a master blacksmith. Tamahagane is valued for its toughness and ability to hold a precise edge.
The blade features a beautiful hamon in the notare-midare (のたれ乱れ) style – a gently wavy pattern created by differential hardening. The hira-zukuri blade profile is characteristic of tanto intended for precise and fluid movement. The tip (kissaki) is polished to a high sheen to highlight the contrast of the steel structures.

Symbolism and decoration

The handle is covered with genuine stingray skin and complemented by metal figures of ornaments in the shape of a skull and flowers. These symbols represent the cycle of life and the beauty of the moment. The skulls are hand-painted and the details are engraved as a memento mori – a reminder of the balance of existence. Together with the cherry blossom motif, they create a powerful visual metaphor of strength and time.

Scabbard – a story etched in gold

The scabbard is lacquered with a deep red aka-urushi lacquer and decorated with the gold technique of makie – the manual application of gold powder onto fresh lacquer. On its surface, a hand-engraved skull with mother-of-pearl eyes is displayed, surrounded by sakura branches. Every detail has been meticulously handcrafted, making this tanto a unique collector's gem.

Kozuka and Kogai – Tools at the Heart of the Saya

Tucked into the side of the saya are two small tools that form a harmonious whole:
• Kozuka (小柄): A small utility knife with a kogatana blade, designed for everyday details.
• Kogai (笄): A metal skewer historically used for adjusting equipment.
Both pieces are adorned with skull motifs and hand engraving, precisely matching the main theme.

Type: Tanto – traditional dagger Steel: Tamahagane (hand-forged) Blade shape: Hira-zukuri Hamon: Notare-midare (differential hardening) Blade length: approx. 25.5 cm (including habaki) Overall length: approx. 37.5 cm (without saya) Handle: Genuine stingray skin (samegawa), menuki ornaments (skull and basket of flowers) Accessories: Kozuka with kogatana blade, metal kogai pin included Saya: Aka-urushi lacquer, maki-e decoration – skull and sakura Finish: Handmade, inspired by the Sōshū school, Edo period

A Gift in the Wind – Fan by Jiří Straka

This unique package includes a hand-painted fan by Jiří Straka, a prominent artist who bridges traditional ink painting with modern elements. The fan enriches the product with an additional artistic dimension, creating harmony between metal, wood, and paper.