1500's Signed Japanese Tanto Sword - NBTHK Papered

Description

9/17/26 - For sale is a Japanese tanto sword which was produced in August of 1551, and includes NBTHK Hozon certification paperwork. The tang on this tanto is signed "Bizen no Kuni jū Osafune Kiyomitsu". The Kiyomitsu family was one of the most notorious names of Sue-Bizen, the term used for the late-Muramachi Osafune workshops. The blade on this tanto shows some signs of weakening and separation along the temper line (hamon), as well some scarce visible flaws present throughout the blade. The blade bears a gorgeous utsuri effect on both sides of the blade, which is only present on blades manufactured prior to the 1600's. The cutting edge is immaculate, with no signs of chips present on the edge of the blade. The wooden handle and scabbard are also in great shape, with no signs of chips or cracks. The back of the handle does have numerous small indentations in the wood, though they are purely cosmetic, not structural. The mekugi is in beautiful condition with great, tight fitment. Overall a very nice tanto with a lineage to one of the most predominant sword making families of the 1500's. This tanto comes complete with proper NBTHK Hozon certification paperwork.