AS25815 Tanto： Ushū Ōizumi-jū Kiyondo Tsukuru Kore Forged at Tokyo in February, Meiji 3 (1870). (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25815

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Ushū Ōizumi-jū Kiyondo Tsukuru Kore
Forged at Tokyo in February, Meiji 3 (1870).
羽州大泉住清人造之
明治三年二月於東京

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Ushū Ōizumi-jū Kiyondo Tsukuru Kore.
Habaki: Single gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 28.7 cm (11.30 in).
Curvature: 0.0 cm (0.00 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.60 cm (1.02 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.65 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 235 g.
Era: Meiji 3 (1870).
Shape: A robust tanto retaining its original cutting edge, in excellent healthy condition.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with visible surface grain throughout.
Hamon: On the omote side, gunome-midare. On the ura side, gunome-midare with active kinsuji. The blade was forged in the Soshu tradition.

Features: Kiyondo was the youngest disciple of Kiyomaro and is regarded as the most accomplished among the Kiyomaro school. He was born in 1827 in Dewa Province (present-day Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture). At the age of twelve, he was adopted by the Saito family of Shonai and took the name Saito Ichiro. In 1849, at the age of twenty-two, he moved to Edo, and in 1852 became a disciple of Kiyomaro. He later established himself in Kanda.

After his master Kiyomaro took his own life, leaving numerous commissions unfinished, Kiyondo completed all of his teacher’s outstanding orders, supported Kiyomaro’s widow and children, and helped repay his debts. These actions reflect his strong sense of duty and loyalty.

In 1867, Kiyondo traveled to Kyoto, where he received the prestigious title Buzen no Kami Fujiwara Kiyondo. In 1870, he forged a presentation sword for Emperor Meiji. He passed away in 1901.

This tanto was forged in Tokyo in February 1870. The following year, 1871, restrictions on sword production came into effect, and carrying swords in public was later prohibited. It is said that some people even concealed blades inside walking sticks in order to continue carrying them.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Shibuichi tsuba carved with cranes and decorated with gold iroe. Signed Yanagawa Naomitsu.
Fuchikashira: Shibuichi fittings carved with cranes and decorated with gold iroe. Signed Yanagawa Naomitsu.
Saya (Scabbard): Black roiro lacquered saya.
Menuki: Mice and acorn motif decorated with gold iroe.
Kozuka: Shibuichi kozuka carved with cranes and decorated with gold iroe. Comes with kogatana.

Aoi Art’s Comment: After Kiyomaro’s death, Kiyondo devoted himself to repaying his master’s debts and fulfilling his remaining commissions. He was undoubtedly aware that the age of the sword was drawing to a close, and it is evident that he forged this tanto with exceptional dedication and skill.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.
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