AS25502 Tanto: Bishu Osafune Sukenaga Dated: August, 1844(NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)(Guaranteed: NBTHK Hozon)

Tanto in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)(Guaranteed: NBTHK Hozon)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Sukenaga 備州長船祐永
Tenpo 15 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August, 1844) 天保十五年八月日

Shinshinto – Jyo Saku – Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This blade is ranked as Jyo Saku (Upper Grade) among the works by Bishu Osafune Sukenaga.
Habaki: Gold-covered single-layer
Blade Length: 8 sun 8 bu – 26.7 cm (10.51 in)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.55 cm (1.00 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 1.16 cm (0.46 in)
Sword Weight: 335 g
Era: Late Edo period, Tenpō 15 (1844)
Shape:This is a thick yoroi-doshi style blade, also referred to as kabuto-oshi.
It is robust and straight, with no curvature.
Jigane:Tightly forged ko-itame hada, appearing nearly plain (muji).
Hamon:A typical nioi-deki with choji-ba pattern.
Beautiful gunome-choji can be seen — a characteristic style of Yokoyama Sukekane and Bishu Osafune Sukenaga.

Features:Bishu Osafune Sukenaga was the second son of Sukehira and was adopted by his elder brother Sukemori’s family, eventually succeeding his father’s line.
He passed away on June 2, 1851 (Kaei 4) at the age of 57.
Sukenaga and Yokoyama Sukekane were active during the Tenpō era of the Edo period, a time when Japanese swordmaking was thriving and sword prices were rising.
It is said that many high-quality swords were made during this period, especially among Shinshinto smiths — with Tenpō-era works being among the finest.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This is a wonderful, solidly made tanto with an impressively thick kasane.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.