Edo Period Hira Zukuri Tanto

Product Description for Edo Period Hira Zukuri Tanto

Maker: Nagayoshi Chôkô (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 85160
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 11.00 in.
Total length: 15.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.38 in.
Item weight: 9.68 oz.
Shipment weight: 17.12 oz.
Blade: Tamahagane (jewel steel), extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago
Handle: Silk wrap over white same (ray skin) on signed wooden handle
Sheath: Antique Japanese lacquered saya
Description: This exceptional Tanto is the work of Edo period swordsmith Nagayoshi Chôkô. Chôkô was a well known swordsmith from Settsu province (now Northern Osaka province). He was most active as a swordsmith in the early Edo period of the late 1650s.
The blade is in old polish and has a gunome midare hamon (a gently undulating pattern marked by irregularity in the repetition). It has been meticulously cared for and shows the hamon clearly without oxidation or rust. The boshi (tempered part of the sword point (kissaki) is jizo (turned back in a lobe -- often called Buddha's head). The mune (spine) is mitsu (having a central ridge with a flat top).
The tanto was forged from tamahagane (jewel steel). This metal, traditional to Japanese swords, is extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago. A mix of high and low carbon steels is combined.
The tang (nakago) is futsu in shape and does not show any evidence of having been shortened. As is preferred, the nakago does not show evidence of having been cleaned and has a heavy patina. The tip (nakago-jiri) is asymmetrically rounded (haagari). Though much of the tang file marks (yasurime) are no longer visible, the markings appear to be kesho style. The tang clearly shows Nagayoshi Chôkô's mark.
The antique wood handle is signed in kanji that I have been unable to translate. This dramatic tanto was recently re-wrapped. White ray skin (same) is wrapped with silk. The original fittings throughout are spectacular. The habaki (blade collar) appears to be bronze and is designed to protect the blade from scratches when inserted into the sheath (saya). The menuki appear to be cast iron with gold and silver accents. They are a running animal motif. Original Fuchi (metal collar) and Kashira (pommel cap) are present. They are also cast iron with silver floral accents.
The antique saya is wood with Japanese black lacquer ornamentation. The scabbard tip (Kojiri), mouth (Koiguchi), and Kurikata (knob) are all present. They match fuchi and kashira in theme and materials.
An exceptional and rare find!


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