AS26224 Katana: Tsuchiura-shin Nagao Fujiwara Shinkei Tanemitsu Tsukuru (kao) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Ordering Number: AS26224

Katana in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Signature: Tsuchiura-shin Nagao Fujiwara Shinkei Tanemitsu Tsukuru (kao)
Dated February, Keio 3 (1867)
土浦臣長尾藤原心慶胤光造(花押)
慶應三年二月日

Shinshinto: Chujo-saku: Musashi.
(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 the works of Tsuchiura-shin Nagao Fujiwara Shinkei Tanemitsu.
Habaki: Single-layer silver-covered habaki.
Blade Length: 82.7 cm (32.56 in).
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in).
Mekugi Hole: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.52 cm (1.39 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.59 cm (1.02 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.77 cm (0.30 in).
Sword Weight: 1105 g.
Era: late Edo period. Dated February, Keio 3 (1867).
Shape: A magnificent and powerful katana with wide mihaba, thick kasane, and deep curvature.
A bohi is carved into the blade.
The blade length is an impressive 82.7 cm (32.56 in).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with clearly visible grain.
Hamon: Ko-nie-deki gunome-midare.
The boshi becomes irregular and returns in a small rounded form.

Features: Shinkei Tanemitsu was born on April 14, Tenpo 3 (1832), in Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture).
He became a disciple of Naotane and later served as the official swordsmith of the Tsuchiura Domain.
His workmanship closely resembles that of Naotane.
Examples of such extraordinary length combined with such robust proportions are extremely rare.
This is a remarkable work.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Rounded-square iron tsuba inscribed “Shinkei Tanemitsu Tsukuru,” and additionally dated “Keio 3, Hinoto-U” (1867).
A truly fascinating tsuba.
Fuchikashira and Kojiri: Iron fittings carved with the Mitsuishi crest.
Saya (Scabbard): Ishimeji-finished saya.
Menuki: Mitsuishi crest design.

Aoi Art’s Comment: While this is not an especially lavish koshirae, the fact that the tsuba is also signed by Shinkei Tanemitsu makes it particularly interesting.
The Mitsuishi crest was also the family crest used by the Tsuchiura clan.
It would not be an exaggeration to call this a rare and unusual piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Koshirae: NBTHK Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.