AS25222 Tanto： Rai Kunimitsu(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Rai Kunimitsu
来国光

Chukoto: Saijyo Saku – Yamashiro
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Rai Kunimitsu.
Habaki: Solid gold family crest habaki (nearly pure gold)
Blade Length: 8 sun 5 bu – 25.75 cm (10.14 in)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.36 cm (0.93 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.54 cm (0.21 in)
Sword Weight: 155 grams
Era: Kamakura period
Shape: A slightly long tanto with wide body and thick kasane, forming a mitsumune (triple ridge).
Jigane: Ko-itame hada with refined jigane, visible utsuri and chikei appearing.
Hamon: Nie-deki in suguha with mixed double hamon, clearly appearing on dark-toned jigane.

Features: This piece dates from the Genko era of the Kamakura period (1331).
Rai Kunimitsu was the son of Magotarō Kunitsugu and known as Jirouhyoue-no-jou.
Few tachi works exist, with most being tanto in takenoko-zori style.
This blade is a mitsumune tanto, slightly wide, with utsuri and a visible double hamon.
The habaki bears the “Maru ni Taira Yotsume” crest, a family crest used by the Kyōgoku clan, former lords of Marugame domain.

Koshirae: Aikuchi style mountings
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako-ji with two flying cranes in high relief and gold highlights
Saya: Black lacquered saya
Menuki: Shishi (lion) and peony in high relief with gold highlights

Aoi Art’s Comment:This piece was preserved in one collection for a long time.
Rai Kunimitsu is believed to have been the son of Rai Kunitoshi.
His production period is said to be between 1326 (Karyaku 1) and 1351 (Kan’ō 2).
He was known to be a very skillful swordsmith, producing both flamboyant midare hamon and elegant suguha.
This piece carries the “Maru ni Taira Yotsume” family crest, reflecting the dignity of a daimyō-class item.
The condition is excellent, and the tanto appears to have been carefully maintained.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper with whole oshigata