AS25500 Tanto:Yoshimitsu (Tosa)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number：AS25500

Tanto in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Yoshimitsu (Tosa)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Yoshimitsu (Tosa).
Habaki: Single-layered silver.
Blade Length: 18.3 cm (7.20 in).
Curvature: Slight curvature at tip 0.1 cm (0.04 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.97 cm (0.78 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.95 cm (0.37 in).
Sword Weight: 135 g
Era: Muromachi period, around Daiei era (1521–1528).
Shape: A thick Tanto in the style of “Yoroidoshi” (armor-piercing blade).
Jigane: Mokume hada with visible chikei, and the hamon is well-defined with utsuri appearing.
Hamon: Ko-nie with straight hamon.

Features:
This piece has a distinctive Yoroidoshi form, designed for armor penetration.
Due to the large number of works made during this time, it may easily be mistaken for Yamashiro Yoshimitsu.
However, Tosa Yoshimitsu is believed to have produced thicker blades in response to the demands of the time.
Though this is a healthy blade, it tends to be underrated, likely because of the existence of the more famous Yoshimitsu with the same signature.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba for tanto with gold decorations on the rim.
Fuchikashira: Decorated with cherry blossoms in gold.
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquer with sprinkled blue shell inlay.
Menuki: Floral motif in high relief with gold highlights.

Historical Background:
The Daiei era (1521–1528) refers to a time within the Muromachi period, specifically during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
This era includes the reigns of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara and Emperor Go-Nara.
It was a time of social upheaval and transformation in political power structures, known as the age of “Gekokujō” (the low overthrowing the high), which eventually led to the fall of the Muromachi Shogunate.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata
*International shipping not included