AS25092 Tanto: Kunimoto Saku (Enju)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Tanto in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kunimoto Saku (Enju)

Sayagaki: Enju Kunimoto Saku

(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 Kunimoto blades.
Habaki: Silver foiled double-layered
Blade Length: 22.4 cm (8.82 in)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.99 cm (0.78 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 180 g
Era: Late Nanbokucho to Oei period
Shape:This piece has the form of a Kikuchi Yari. The nakago is long, typical of this style, and while most are unsigned, one has passed as Juyo Token.
Jigane:The hada is itame with visible utsuri, showing shirake utsuri as well.
Hamon:Nie-based suguha with a slightly rounded boshi that returns in a small circular form.

Features:　Kunimoto is also known as Enju, a swordsmith lineage that produced many works from the Kamakura to the Muromachi period. This tanto is reminiscent of the famed Kikuchi Senbon Yari made by Enju smiths in Higo, often given to retainers. The Kikuchi Yari has a distinctive unokubi-zukuri form with a narrow width and thick kasane. The nakago is notably long and sharp, and signed works are extremely rare. The shirasaya is inscribed with “Enju Kunimoto Saku,” further emphasizing its uniqueness.
It is indeed a rare treasure. Considering the scarcity of signed examples, this tanto is highly recommended.

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