JAPANESE SHORT SWORD (WAKIZASHI),Shinto sword period (17th century). With saya only (no habaki, tsuba, or suke). Polished same (rayskin) saya (scabbard) with kodzuka (utility knife) and blade. Blade: hira-zukuri (flat, no ridge line), active temper barely visible, small knick on blade edge. Nakago (tang): Ubu (uncut), mu-mei (not signed). Japanese dagger handle (Suke) has intricate fuchi kashira with samurai motif. Nanako shakudo finish (menuki missing). - 12 in., 30 1/2 cm. Estimate $400-600
