1500's Signed Japanese Tanto Sword - NBTHK Papered

Description

9/17/26 - A signed Japanese tanto forged in August 1551 - nearly five centuries old - complete with NBTHK Hozon certification paperwork. The tang is signed "Bizen no Kuni ju Osafune Kiyomitsu"; the Kiyomitsu family was one of the most notorious names of Sue-Bizen, the term for the late-Muromachi Osafune workshops. The blade bears a gorgeous utsuri effect on both sides - a trait found only on blades made before the 1600s - and the cutting edge is immaculate with no chips. There are some signs of weakening and separation along the temper line (hamon), and a few scarce visible flaws in the blade. The wooden handle and scabbard are in great shape with no chips or cracks; the back of the handle has numerous small, purely cosmetic indentations, and the mekugi is in beautiful condition with tight fitment. Papered, signed, and tied to one of the premier sword-making families of the 1500s - true museum-grade history you can hold in one hand.