AS20528-Sunnobi Tanto:　Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu (1st generation)

Sunnobi Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae.(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature:　Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu (1st generation)
Ouei 24 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi

Sayagaki: Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Ubu Nakago and Zaimei(signature),
there is a probuction date as Ouei 24 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi.
written by Honami Nishu in Nov, Showa 63 (1988).

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyo-jyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to ranking.
The blade was polished.
Habaki :　Gold foiled double habaki.
Blade length :　30.8　cm or 12.12 inches.
Sori : 0 cm or 0 inches.
Mekugi : 　3
Width at the hamachi: 2.61 cm or 1.02 inches.
Kasane : 0.58 cm or 0.22 inches.
The weight of the sword 190 grams.
Era : Early Muromachi period, around Ouei 24.
Shape : Refular width and thickness Sunnobi Tanto.
There are engraving of Kenmakiryu and Dokko on the Omote side, Futasuji-Hi is on the Ura side.
Jigane : Ko Itame Hada and Komokume Hada mixed.
There are Utsuri.
Hamon : Nie Deki, Suguha Hamon and Ko Gunome Midare.
Boshi is Yakizume and round shape.

Special feature: Head of the swordmakers were Yasumitsu
and Morimitsu which are coveted by sword collectors.
Yasumitsu was a son of the Osafune Shigeyoshi Uemon Jyo Yasumitsu.
He made Tanto and wakizashi Hirauchi style mainly.
Why at Ouei era, the best quality jigane was produced.
Unfortunately, there is Ohada(rough texture) around middle part.
But we think that is not serious. You can enjoy this nice Tanto.
Generally, Yasumitsu made many Suguha blade.

Koshirae :
Saya : Aogai Chirashi Saya with black line.
Tsuba : Shakudo Ishime-Ji Tsuba, Persimmon and hatchet are engraved with gold color.
Menuki : umbrella is engraved with gold color.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo Ishime-Ji, umbrella and flower are engraved with gold color.

From Aoi Art: This Sunnobi Tanto’s signature is very clear and also Yasurime is beautiful. This kind of Tanto have been carefully preserved by the Daimyo family. The engraving of the Kenmakiryu and Dokko is wonderful. The Sayagaki was written by Honnami Nishu(Living National Treasure).
We highly recommend this masterpiece.
The Kozuka and Kogai are missing.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata.