O100897(T3689) Tanto signed Fujiwara Kunishige saku with) stingray skin lacquered Makie sheath Tanto Koshirae	NBTHK(HOZON)	JPYen700,000
Shin-shin-to End of Edo period (Bunkyu era/circa A.D.1861) Iwami province Length of cutting edge 25.8cm No curvature Width of base 30.9mm Thickness of base 7.9mm
Sugata(configuration):Saki-Moroha-zukuri, Iori-mune, the width on base is wide, kasane is thick and high shinogi ridge. there is massive Hiraniku, weighty tanto. The carvings in both sides are Koshi-Naginata-hi grooves. (click HERE for the high resolution of image) Kitae(forging pattern): Kitae is combination of itame(wood grain) and flowing masame hada marks along the tempering edge with fine and deep Ji-nie hard metal granules over the surface of the blade. Thick chikei nie lines works over the surface. Hamon(tempering pattern): Hamon is straight (SUGUHA), nie-based, rich in thick Nie-lines activity such as Uchinoke and Sunagashi brushing marks along the tempering edge. There is a slight indication of Hotsure-ha and upper area works with thick nie-ashi feet toward cutting edge. Boshi(tip): Boshi is straight temper with medium circle deeply turn back down. Nakago(tang): nakago is ubu(unaltered) with o-sujikai yasurime and full dress (Kesho) file marks, one mekugi-ana, Ha-agari-kurijiri heel, signed with a thick chisel on one side lower to the ridge side says Fujiwara Kunishige saku. This tanto shows a major identification and strong character during end of Edo period - There is thick kasane, hiraji is wide, forging pattern is quite strongly ko-itame grain.The configuration of this tanto tip double sided temper was also popular and unique during end of Edo period. Thick Chikei activity and rich Nie works along Habuchi are awesomely bright and splendid view. KUNISHIGE in Iwami province was active during Bunkyu period, his real name is MIYAZAKI SHIGEKICHI who exclusively worked for Ikoma daimyo. The nice tanto koshirae is worth matching with this tanto, The Copper furniture is takabori, snow flake design, elaborately made for this tanto - one of the first class articles. Silver habaki, Shira-saya plain wood mouting included.