AS24449 Tanto：Kanenobu(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Ordering number:AS24449

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Signature: Kanenobu
兼宣

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku. This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among Kanenobu’s works. Polished.
Habaki: Copper single-layered habaki.
Blade Length: 18.3 cm (7.2 in)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base: 2.15 cm (0.85 in)
Thickness: 0.63 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 130 g (0.29 lbs)
Era: Muromachi period, around the Bunmei, Kakitsu, or Eisho periods. This blade is likely from around the Kakitsu period (1441).
Shape: This is a double-edged tanto, a style that was popular during the Muromachi period, featuring blades on both sides.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame grain with a well-forged texture, featuring a shirake utsuri (white reflection).
Hamon: Shallow ko-gunome midare, with sharp and fine sunagashi and kinsuji (activity along the blade’s edge).

Features: Kanenobu was a swordsmith from Mino Province. Judging from the two-character signature, this work is believed to be from the Bunmei or Kakitsu periods, and likely dates back to 1441, during the mid-Muromachi period. This blade is from before 583 years ago.

Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu
Tsuba: Copper base with a silver rim.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo with a fish roe pattern, decorated with a family crest in gold.
Saya: Black stone surface saya with diagonal banded lines.
Kojiri: Silver with engraved patterns.
Kaerikata: Shakudo with engraved patterns. A demon face is carved on the upper part.
Menuki: Solid gold depicting bamboo leaves.
Kozuka: Decorated in gold with five paulownia crests.
Kogatana: Signed “Seki Kanefumi.”

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a rare piece, a double-edged tanto that developed during the mid-Muromachi period. It is signed Kanenobu. While this blade resembles Bizen works, it is rare to find such pieces from Seki. The koshirae is quite luxurious, and it is likely a piece owned by a daimyo.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata