AS25150 Tanto：Nobukuni (Chikushi) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Nobukuni (Chikushi)
信国（筑紫）　

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (excellent workmanship) among works by Nobukuni (Chikushi).
Habaki: Single-layered gold-covered
Blade Length: 28.6 cm (11.26 in)
Curvature:0cm
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.49 cm (0.98 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.77 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 225 g
Era: Muromachi period, around Choroku era (1457–1460)
Shape:This piece has a thick kasane with mitsumune construction.
It features a large bohi carved on both sides and a Sanskrit character carved at the center of the omote.
The signature “Nobukuni” is split across the bohi, with “Nobu” on one side and “kuni” on the other, suggesting that the carving and signature were done when the sword was originally made.
A rare and unusual work.
Jigane:Well-forged and dense jigane with faint utsuri.
Hamon:Suguha with nioi.
The boshi returns in a rounded shape.

Features: From the thickness of the kasane and the unique way the “Nobukuni” signature is carved—split across the bohi—it can be judged that the carving was done when the blade was in its original (ubu) state.
While such features are occasionally seen in Shinshinto works, they are very rare for mid-Muromachi period blades.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Tanto-style tsuba with decorative silver patterns.
Kojiri: Iron base with a waterwheel design, decorated in gold.
Kozuka: Kozuka with a skeleton design rendered in silver.
Fuchikashira: Iron base with floral motifs in gold and silver.
Saya: Black lacquered saya with ishimeji (stone-texture) base and vermilion patterns.
Menuki: High-relief carving of a horse, decorated in gold.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This work is attributed to Nobukuni of Chikushi.
It is a sturdy and thick tanto with a prominent bohi carved into the blade.
The signature “Nobukuni” is split between the inside and outside of the bohi on the tang.
This unique style of signature carving is very interesting and makes the piece particularly recommendable.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata