A shinto katana
By Kanetaka, Edo Period, 18th century
The blade of shinogi-zukuri form, juka-choji-ha of nie with sunagashi and niju-ba, the kiri-jiri nakago with two mekugi-ana, signed Kanetaka; in shirasaya; with koshirae: black lacquered saya with deeply incised clouds, filled with powdered shell; dark shibuichi tsuba engraved with a dragon and waves, inscribed Somin; silver fuchi-gashira with waves in relief; shakudo and gilt menuki in the form of cranes over water. The blade 74.3cm (29¼in) long.