Ordering number:AS24455

Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Muramasa
村正

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Muramasa.
Polished.
Habaki: Gold foiled single Habaki.
Blade Length: 27.5 cm (10.83 in)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 2.61 cm (1.03 in)
Thickness: 0.53 cm (0.21 in)
Sword Weight: 165 grams (5.82 oz)
Era: Muromachi Period
Shape: The hamon on both sides is well-matched, and the tang bears the signature "Muramasa." It features a "Santoku" shape.
Jigane: The small itame-hada is well-forged, resulting in a fine jigane.
Hamon: The hamon on both sides matches perfectly, characteristic of Muramasa. It transitions from a straight hamon near the base to a rounded gunome midare with a soft, rounded boshi.

Features:
Muramasa was a prominent swordsmith of Ise Province during the late Muromachi period. The oldest known date attributed to his work is Bunki Gannen, with the first generation believed to have worked in the Bunki era, the second in the Tenbun era, and the third in the Tensho era. This tanto is attributed to the second generation. Muramasa's work is known for its beautiful jigane, and this tanto is an exemplary piece with a tightly forged and fine surface.

Koshirae: The saya and tsuka are finished in black roiro (lacquer).
The omote side of the saya features three kiri-mon (paulownia crests) in gold, and the ura side has two kiri-mon.
The tsuka has one kiri-mon in gold on each side.
It is equipped with a shakudo wakizashi featuring three gold kiri-mon.

Aoi Art's Comment: Muramasa blades are extremely rare in the market today, with prices skyrocketing to the point where they are nearly unobtainable. This particular piece, complete with koshirae featuring kiri-mon, captures the imposing presence of Muramasa's work. The rise in popularity of Muramasa blades, known as "youtou" (demon blades), is partly due to their unique atmosphere and the many stories associated with them. The Tokugawa family had many misfortunes associated with these blades, leading to their aversion to Muramasa. On the other hand, those opposing the Tokugawa secretly owned Muramasa swords, often altering the name to disguise them. This distinct history is unique to Muramasa. Investing in a Muramasa blade may prove to be financially rewarding in the future. It is also said that most Muramasa blades are tanto, with long swords being exceedingly rare. This rare tanto by Muramasa is a noteworthy piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:7,000,000 JPY-.

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