Wakizashi (Sunnobi Tanto): Tobi Okayama jū Aoe Ujiharu Dated: August, Meiji 2 (1869) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25059

Wakizashi (Sunnobi Tanto): in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Tobi Okayama jū Aoe Ujiharu
Dated: August, Meiji 2 (1869)
東備岡山住青江氏春
明治二年八月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (superior grade) among the works by Tobi Okayama jū Aoe Ujiharu.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 31.2 cm (12.28 in)
Curvature: 0.4 cm (0.16 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.98 cm (1.17 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 245 g

Shape: The omote is engraved with a Bonji, a suken (straight sword), and a dokko (vajra).
The ura is carved with two grooves and a Bonji.
Jigane: Well-forged, the boshi is rounded and returns rather deeply.
Hamon: Gunome-midare, resembling works from the Muromachi period at first glance.

Features:This slightly extended tanto is finely forged and closely resembles the works of Kanefusa from the Muromachi period.
Although the jigane is tight and does not appear aged, it is likely a faithful reproduction of a kotō (old sword) piece.
It is very well made.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Tobi Okayama jū Aoe Ujiharu skillfully engraved the sword and produced a hamon that strongly resembles works from the Muromachi period.

NBTHK Hozon Token(*the paper will be issued later)
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata