AS25473 Tanto:Masazane(Kinbo)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25473

Tanto in Shirasaya
Signature: Masazane(Kinbo)
正真（金房）

NBTHK Hozon Token
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 those by Shoshin.

Habaki: Single-layered plain copper
Blade Length: 22.3 cm (8.78 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 0.97 cm (0.38 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 1.75 cm (0.69 in)
Era: Late Muromachi period, around Eisho era (circa 1504–1521)

Shape:
This is a thick tanto called “Yoroidoshi”, made for piercing armor.

Jigane:
The ko-itame hada is very finely forged and beautifully packed. A whitish utsuri appears in the upper part of the jigane.

Hamon:
Made in ko-nie style with a tight and clear suguha. The boshi is round and turns back, ending with a hakikake.

Features:
There are smiths named Shoshin from Yamashiro, Yamato, Ise, and Mikawa provinces. Judging by the quality, this piece is likely the work of the Tegai school from Yamato. It also appears to be slightly older, likely made around the Eisho era.
The jigane is tightly forged and resembles the texture of yokan (red bean jelly), displaying fine masame patterns that strongly reflect the characteristics of Yamato-den.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
From the mid-Muromachi period, Yoroidoshi blades became more common. This piece, with its thick kasane, conveys a sense of sharpness and purpose.
It remains in healthy condition, and the quality of the jigane is outstanding. This is a very attractive work.

NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata

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