A SUNOBI TANTO IN KOSHIRAE
Japan, 15th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573)

The blade:
Hira-zukuri and iori mune, the boshi with omaru kaeri, the hamon is ko-gunome in nioi-deki, the dense hada is ko-itame with slight nie-utsuri in the ji-hada. The nakago is ubu with one mekugi-ana, the yasurime only visible at the top, where it is kiri, the tip is iriyamagata.

The mounting:
The iron tsuba of oval form with two hitsu, decorated in gold, silver, copper, and shakudo takazogan with two birds in a field. The shakudo fuchi and kashira with gold and copper takazogan with kikyo (bellflower) blossoms. The shakudo and gold menuki in the form of dragons. The tsuka covered in rayskin and wrapped with blue textile. The saya is lacquered black and red.

NAGASA 34.4 cm, LENGTH 53 cm (the koshirae)

Condition: The blade is in very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule blisters, the ridge with a microscopic nick. The mounts are in good condition with some wear, the saya with nicks and scratches.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.