Japanese Tanto with Very Nice Smith-Made Blade

This is an attractive tanto with an unsigned (mumei) blade of the flat, non-faceted (hira-zukuri) style that measures 16 1/4" long from point to the tip of the tang, and has an 11 1/2" cutting edge.  The temper line (hamon) is straight and of wide thickness (hiro-suguha) with no turn-back at the point (yaki-zume).  The temper line has a bright cloudy border (nioi).  The steel has a bright gray patina throughout, along with visible fold lines along the surface on both faces.  The tang (nakago) has a dark brown patina with roughened surface (sensuki) and a single peg hole (mekugi-ana).  The hilt (tsuka) has a small oval guard (tsuba) with a monkey and bamboo motif, while the pommel (fuchi) and ferrule (kashira) have a floral scrollwork design.  A single grip ornament grip ornament (menuki) remains and depicts a lotus flower vignette.   Two thin metal guard spacers (seppa) and a copper blade collar (habaki) are also present.  The white rayskin (same) grip is lightly worn throughout, with a large chip missing at the pommel on one side, and the dark green silk binding (tsuka-ito) is torn with only about 30% remaining.  The wooden (saya) has a dull black lacquer finish, with the cord loop (kurikata) and cord (sageo) broken off, but still included.  A small knife (kozuka) is present in its slot at the mouth of the scabbard.  This is a handsome blade, worthy of an intact set of good quality mounts, and would make a fine addition to a collection of edged weapons.