Traditional Japanese Tool Appraisal

Japanese Block Plane (Kanna)

The item is a small, compact hand plane, often referred to as a Japanese block plane or 'kanna'. It features a solid, rectangular body crafted from what appears to be a dense, reddish-brown hardwood, possibly a type of fruitwood or tropical hardwood like Ipe or Padauk, given its warm tone and visible tight grain. The body exhibits a natural wood finish, showing some minor surface wear consistent with use but no significant damage or deep gouges. The top surface of the plane includes a rectangular metal blade, or 'iron', which is secured within a precisely cut mortise in the wooden body. The blade is greyish-silver in color, indicating it is made of steel, and it protrudes slightly from the bottom edge, forming the cutting edge. There is a visible, curved throat or mouth carved into the wood directly beneath the blade, designed to allow shavings to exit during use. A series of faint, possibly stamped or etched markings, though illegible from this image, are present on the top surface of the metal blade, which could be a manufacturer's mark, steel type, or an indication of origin. The overall construction suggests a traditional, minimalist design focused on functionality and precision, typical of Japanese woodworking tools. The wood shows a slight sheen, suggesting it might have been oiled or waxed. There are no obvious repairs, and the tool appears to be in good, usable condition with a natural patina developed from age and handling. This type of plane is often used for fine finishing work or chamfering.