AS24393 Tanto: Kuni_(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto: in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Kuni⬜︎ 　　國⬜︎ (den Sue-Enju 末延寿)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku for works by (den Sue-Enju).

Habaki: Single-layered copper habaki
Blade Length: 26.3 cm (10.35 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.48 cm (0.98 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.48 cm (0.19 in)
Sword Weight: 155 g
Era: Early Muromachi period, 15th century
Shape: long Tanto with Mitsumune
Jigane: Ko-Itame-hada with faint chikei and Utsuri.
Hamon: Ko-nie deki in suguha with Sunagashi.

Features: Sue-Enju refers to works by the Enju school that were made after the Ōei era(1394-).
Notable smiths from this lineage include Kunifusa and Kunitoki in the early period, and Kunituna and Kadokuni in the mid-period.
Although the second character of the signature is unreadable, this piece can be dated to around the early to mid-Muromachi period.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Design of a dog and abalone
Fuchi-Kashira: Shakudō nanako ground, dragon design
Menuki: Shell motif
Kozuka: Shakudō nanako ground, dragon design

NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata