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#BQ243 - Japanese Tanto in Full Polish - $5600.00
Shinshinto period Hirazukuri-style (flat-sided blade) tanto signed Katayama Munetsugu Saku. This smith is rated Jo-jo saku in Fujishiro, with his most active work period being approx.
1854, working in and around Edo (Tokyo). One of the most important and highly rated smiths of the Shinshinto period, famous for works with Ichimonji-style choji hamon. Two generations of
Munetsugu, unsure to which this is attributable, but the signature appears legitimate. In full polish, with 1-hole ubu nakago. Blade with itame grain; showing a small bit of open grain at
mid-section of left side. Tsuba of iron with overall diaper pattern, both signed and with gold stamp. Fuchi kashira are a combination of shibuichi with gold and copper overlay; appears to
represent figures running in the rain. Seppa are gilded, as is habaki, which shows a nice driven-rain pattern. Menuki include a sea-turtle and shorebird in shakudo with gold overlay. Saya
relacquered in a dark brown color, perfect condition, with shibuichi toe. Very thick blade, probably for piercing armour; nagasa 10 ¾”, back edge also showing polisher’s marks. Tsuka
with dark blue wrap, same in fine condition and original. Lacking kozuka, excellent condition overall.
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