Art Gladius Date Decorative Tanto Set – with Kogai & Kogatana, Date Clan

Art Gladius Date Decorative Tanto Set – with Kogai & Kogatana, Date Clan

Detailed Description and Features:

• Set Appearance: The set includes a tanto (Japanese dagger), a kogatana (small utility knife), and a kogai (decorative skewer/pin), elegantly housed in the scabbard (saya). The design, combining blue, silver, and ivory colours, appears highly sophisticated.
• Tanto:
1. Blade: Made of steel (type not specified), with a visible fuller (groove) approximately 24 mm long. The blade is decorative, not sharp (edge thickness approx. 1.5 mm) and not intended for practical use.
2. Handle (Tsuka): Crafted from imitation ivory ("Fake ivory") and adorned with rich relief carvings (figures, possibly samurai or mythological scenes, are visible in the photograph). Complemented by ornate fittings (fuchi, kashira) in a silvery colour with blue accents.
3. Guard (Tsuba): Cast from Zamak alloy, intricately decorated, in a silvery colour. Zamak allows for precise casting of details for decorative purposes.
• Scabbard (Saya): Wooden scabbard with a glossy dark blue lacquer finish, decorated with a fine gold pattern resembling spiderwebs. It features ornate metal fittings at the mouth (koiguchi) and end (kojiri) in a silvery colour. A blue cord (sageo) is tied around the upper part. The scabbard has integrated pockets for the kogatana and kogai.
• Accessories:
1. Kogatana (Utility Knife): Length approx. 210 mm, weight approx. 40 g. With decorated handle.
2. Kogai (Skewer/Pin): Length approx. 205 mm, weight approx. 32 g. With decorated handle/body.
• Dimensions and Weight:
1. Tanto overall length: approx. 435 mm
2. Tanto blade length: approx. 225 mm
3. Tanto weight: approx. 478 g
4. Scabbard weight: approx. 188 g
5. Total set weight: approx. 738 g (Tanto + Kogatana + Kogai + Scabbard)
• Manufacturer: Art Gladius, Toledo, Spain (assumed).

Historical Context and Symbolism:

The name "Date" most likely refers to the powerful and influential Japanese Date clan, prominent particularly during the Sengoku and Edo periods. The most famous member of the clan was Date Masamune, known as the "One-Eyed Dragon". The rich ornamentation, especially the detailed carvings on the handle, and the high-quality execution of the entire set reflect the artistic mastery and status associated with significant samurai families. The presence of the kogatana and kogai completes the picture of a full dagger set (in a decorative interpretation).

Intended Use:

This Date tanto set is purely a decorative item. It is perfect for:

• Elegant display in an interior setting where its detailed craftsmanship can be appreciated.
• Enhancing a collection focused on Japanese history, samurai weapons, or decorative arts.
• An exceptional gift for collectors or admirers of Japanese culture.
• Not suitable for: any practical purposes – swordsmanship, carrying, cutting, stabbing, etc.

Guidelines for Safe Storage and Display:

• Handle all parts of the set with care; they are decorative items susceptible to damage.
• Choose a stable location for display (display case, stand) protected from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid drops and impacts.
• Metal parts can occasionally be lightly wiped with a soft, dry cloth, possibly with a drop of preservation oil to maintain shine and provide protection.

The Date Decorative Tanto Set by Art Gladius is an example of detailed craftsmanship and taste. Its design, inspired by a famous samurai clan, makes it an attractive and valuable decorative object for any lover of Japanese history and art.