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Hamon : Nioi deki suguha. The nioi-guchi is soft.
Boshi : O-maru with a long return.
Kitae : Itame with detials indistinct.
About this sword : A wonderful Edo period tanto koshirae with a mumei tanto blade. This koshirae features high quality tosogu by Yoshichika. The whole is executed in both shakudo and shibuichi. The takabori work, hira-zogan and sculptural elements show the skill of a master craftsman. We could not find a record of this Yoshichika in books. This mei may have been used by an artist that is well-known by another mei. A fun topic of future research. The tsuka of this tanto is done in baleen. This is the filter feeder system from a baleen whale. It is expertly crafted and in wonderful condition. The saya is finished in gold dusted black urushi. There is a horn part missing from the saya and there is an urushi crack in the area near the kozuka slot.
The tanto blade is out of polish. One can see the hamon and jigane but the details are not clear. The nagako is suriage. The dark areas in the photos of the blade are blemishes and stains. There are no kizu or any flaws apparent.
Baleen was a highly prized material and used on fine koshirae with blades of high regard. Overall, this a beautiful tanto and ideal for someone that welcomes research and conservation.
HOLD
