Schwert - Außerordentlich seltenes Tanto signiert „Kuninori“ (國徳) – Schüler von Horikawa Kunihiro, mit - Japan - 1596–1644

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【Important notes – Swords】

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【Product details】

This is a highly important and extremely rare tanto signed Kuninori, a scarce swordsmith associated with the school of Horikawa Kunihiro, the celebrated founder of the Shintō tradition.

Kuninori is regarded as a highly elusive maker, with very few extant signed works known today. There is also a theory that he first studied under Umetada Myōju and later entered the school of Horikawa Kunihiro. Because surviving works are so rare, and because he is believed to have produced blades on behalf of Horikawa Kunihiro, this piece is an especially valuable reference work for the study of Horikawa-related swords and early Shintō blades. Kuninori was active from the Keichō to Kan'ei period, circa 1596–1644.

The blade shows a visible hamon and hada (visible grain in the steel), revealing the forged structure within the steel.

It is mounted in an elegant aikuchi style without a sword guard. The handle is finished in high-quality ray skin, lacquered in black and polished to reveal the white nodes, with ergonomic grooves for a better grip. The black lacquered scabbard is decorated in maki-e with family crests. The habaki is silver and engraved with a horse motif. The horse is often associated with strength, vitality, and noble status.

The sword comes with a copy of its Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate, as the original document will be returned to the government. The certificate details are as follows: Miyagi Prefecture No. 36685, type: tanto, length: 27.2 cm, curvature: 0.3 cm, one peg hole, signature on the obverse: “Kuninori,” issued on 15 February 1991.

Condition:
A single very small chip is present on the cutting edge near the tip area. The blade surface also shows scuffing in the same region. Forging openings are present in the steel. The habaki displays patina, scratches, and minor chipping consistent with its age. Signature and datation are subject to authentication. Please refer to the photographs for full details.

Overall length of the blade (including the tang): approx. 37 cm
Overall length including scabbard: approx. 44.5 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!