Aikuchi Tanto, Shinshinto, Mumei, Certified Nthk

Description: Blade of Aikuchi Tanto, Shinshinto, Mumei (without signature), certified by the NTHK and attributed to "NichiOki Kanetsugu" (1865-1912), with a nice Koshirae mount.

The sale price takes into account the Tateware (forge defect on the blade). Indeed, a flawless blade from this well-known blacksmith whose blades are classified as "Chujo Saku" sells for around double the selling price offered here. It's a good opportunity to start a collection.

"NichiOki Kanetsugu" (1865-1912) - Biography and lineage:

Kanetsugu whose real name "Heki" (which can be pronounced "Hioki"), was the grandson of Kanesaki 兼先 (12th generation). Kanetsugu who was part of the "Inshu Kanesaki" lineage, was active around 1865-1868. He studied the art of forging with the 10th generation of Kanesaki, but also with Yokoyama Sukekane and later forged blades alongside Minamoto Kanenori. His first blades were signed Kanehira 兼平.

The main Hamon of his blades were mainly Gunome in Nioi Shimari, but also in Suguha.

The Hira-zukuri blade features a beautiful, very irregular Gunome Hamon.

The Tsuka is covered with a Same (in ray skin) in complete winding, decorated with Menuki in the shape of an Okame mask (lucky charm) in gold-plated copper. With a small copper Tsuba, its beautiful old black lacquered Saya with fine mother-of-pearl inlays (Raden), all accompanied by a registration certificate and an NTHK expertise and a Bukuro (protective bag in Japanese fabric).

Standard certificate: NTHK Expertise
Standard certificate: Torokusho N°46176 - Date: November 14, 2021 - Name of issuer: Fukushima Prefecture.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Mumei (unsigned)
Name of blacksmith: Attributed to “NichiOki Kanetsugu” - Location: Inaba (Tottori Prefecture). South Honshu.
Blacksmithing school: Inshu Kanesaki - Location: Inaba (Former province of SW Japan, north of Hiroshima and Okayama) also called Inshu. Era/Time: Kanetsugu was active between 1865 and 1912, this blade was forged around 1865-1868.
Blacksmith Rating/Rating: Chu-Jo-Saku.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BLADE:

Total length of the blade: 20.6cm
Nagasa: 14.25cm (4 Sun 7 Bu Han)
Weight: 69grs
Sori: Height: 0.1cm - Type: Uchi-zori (descending at Kissaki level on the contrary of the other Sori)
Mekugi-ana: 2 including 1 filled with silver.
Nakago type: Standard - Futsu-gata - Nakago-jiri (Extremity) type: Iriyama-gata - Ubu - (Original uncut) - Without Yasurime
Mune type: Iori-mune
Sugata type: Hira-zukuri
No -hi (without Throat)
Jihada type: Itame Nagare
Hamon type: Gunome Are, irregular and very pronounced
Kissaki type: O-kissaki, due to Sugata in Hira-zukuri
Boshi type: Jizo in Kaeri-katai
Habaki of type: Yujyo - Material: copper
Steel type: Tamahagane
Defects: Forging defect type Tateware

KOSHIRAE:

Tsuba: Plain without pattern, copper.
Fuchi/Kashira: Very beautiful Fuchi in Shakudo on the theme: a bird on a branch – Kashira in buffalo horn.
Menuki: On the theme: Face of Okame (lucky charm, attracting beneficial waves, in gold-plated copper.
Tsuka: Without braiding
Saya: Black lacquered with fine mother-of-pearl inlays (Raden).
Sageo: Old, in beige silk (in its own juice)

TRANSLATION OF EXPERTISE NTHK:

FRONT:

Expertise

By reputation: NichiOki Kanetsugu
Authentication
Blade length: 4 Sun 7 Bu Han, i.e.: 14.25cm
Dated Reiwa 3, November 14, i.e.: November 14 2021.
Nihon Token Hozon Kai + Official red square stamp (On Japanese Washi paper folded in 6 vertically)

BACK:

Certificate number: N°18902

Description:

Without signature
Texture: Itame Nagare, appearance of a pronounced grain, on all the length
Quenching line: Gunome Are, Regular waves with high amplitude
Kisaki quenching: Are Komi,
Pronounced sweeping of the Boshi
No engraving, no inscription
Silk: 1 hole + (1 filled with silver) Remarks: Tottori ( Inshu),
Period: Meiji Validated by 7 official stamps of e xperts.
Last part, with tracing of the imprint of the silk, with large official square stamp.

TOROKUSHO TRANSLATION:
1: Juho Token Rui Toroku sho [Registration certificate for firearms and edged weapons (swords)]
2: Registration and No.: Made in Fukushima Prefecture
3: Torokusho No. 46176
4: Category : Bladed weapon
5: Category: Firearm (Not concerned)
6: Type of bladed weapon: Tanto (Collectible dagger)
7: Firearm (Not concerned)
8: Length: (of blade) 15 cm (approx. )
9: Gun (Not applicable)
10: Curvature: (Sori) 0.0 cm
11: Gun (Not applicable)
12: Number of holes in tang: 1
13: Gun (Not applicable)
14 : Inscriptions:
15: Without
16: Remarks
17: Heritage object code:
18: Date: Showa 49, 10.21, i.e.: October 21, 1974 19:
20: Fukushima prefecture (Committee for the preservation of cultural property)
21: Great seal official square
22: Dai character in red top right.