AS25009 Wakizashi：Kunimune(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Wakizashi in Shirasaya with Koshirae(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kunimune
国宗

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Kunimune.
Habaki: Gold foil double-layered habaki
Blade Length: 37.7 cm (14.84 in)
Curvature: 0.7 cm (0.28 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.99 cm (1.18 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.43 cm (0.17 in)
Sword Weight: 260 grams
Era: Late Muromachi period
Shape: A slightly extended tanto with a wide body and solid kasane.
Jigane: Ko-itame mixed with fine ko-mokume hada, tightly forged and clean, with utsuri appearing.
Hamon: Nioi-based suguha with clearly visible utsuri.

Features:　This is a slightly extended tanto with forward curvature.
It features double grooves (futatsu-hi) on both sides.
The jigane is healthy and tight, and a secondary line within the suguha hamon is visible, with utsuri showing beautifully.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　Generally, tanto from the late Muromachi period tend to have lower-quality jigane, but this piece has exceptionally fine steel.
It is a well-forged blade with distinct utsuri, suggesting it may be from an earlier period.
Therefore, it is likely from the mid-Muromachi period.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Vertical oval-shaped tsuba made of shakudo.
Menuki: Shakudo with an engraved lily design and gold inlay.
Fuchikashira: Shibuichi base with an engraved family crest.
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquered saya with carved design.
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako-ji base with a mochibana (decorative rice cake flower) motif, featuring gold and silver inlay.
NBTHK Hozon Tosogu: Mumei (Unsigned, Kyo Kinko)
With small utility knife (kogatana) included.

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