Katana - Japan
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 7,700 - € 9,400
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Description from the seller
Ono Yoshimitsu Tanto Mukansa NBSK certificate year 1980
This tantō was forged by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a distinguished Japanese swordsmith born in 1948 in Niigata Prefecture. He began his training in 1969 under the guidance of the Yoshihara brothers, Yoshihara Yoshito and Yoshihara Shoji, both recognized as national swordsmiths. In 1975, he received official approval to forge swords, and by 1976, he had established his own forge: the Ono Yoshimitsu Swordsmith in Niigata.
Ohno Yoshimitsu has achieved national recognition, receiving:
Takamatsunomiya Prize – Five times
Encouragement Prize – Twice
Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Prize – Once
Effort Prize – Five times
In 1987, he was designated mukansa (exempt from inspection), a prestigious title granted only to swordsmiths of exceptional and consistent quality.
Blade Characteristics
Sugata (Shape): Tantō
Jihada (Grain): Fine itame-hada with a masu-gokoro pattern, displaying precision forging and a controlled steel texture
Hamon (Temper Line): A complex, varied hamon alternating between suguha-style elements and koashi-iri tsubu-gachi-me, reflecting advanced heat treatment and artistic expression
Mei (Signature):
Omote (Front): 由光作 ("Made by Yoshimitsu")
Ura (Back): 昭和五十五年八月吉日 長谷川誠氏之為
("On an Auspicious Day in August 1980 [Showa 55], made for Mr. Hasegawa Makoto")
Japanese Tantō (Short Sword)
Ohno Yoshimitsu (小野由光)
Date August 1980 (Showa 55)
Kurosaki-cho, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Nagasa 25.3 cm
This blade was made when the smith was 32 years old and represents a mature work early in his independent career. It demonstrates the refined craftsmanship and elegant styling for which Ohno Yoshimitsu would become known.
Condition
Overall Blade Condition: Excellent – well-preserved with visible jihada and hamon
Polish: Original polish excelent condition .
Mountings/Fittings: [Specify if in shirasaya, koshirae, or bare blade]
Appraisal Assessment
This tantō holds high value as a work by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a mukansa-level swordsmith. Its early date, documented dedication, and clear mei add to its provenance and historical interest. The blade's aesthetic quality, forging precision, and connection to a named individual increase its desirability among collectors of gendaitō (modern Japanese swords).
NBSK Certificate.
Seller's Story
Continuing your pursuit of the Bushido path and Japanese antiques, you may discover that each piece you encounter carries a unique narrative, inviting you to unveil the wisdom and ethos of the Samurai. Through these artifacts, you can forge a personal connection to the noble ideals of Bushido, allowing you to understand:
Honor, discipline, integrity, and loyalty.
It is our way of life that we share with you.
We hope you enjoy your journey into Japanese history, just as we do.
looking forward to meet
Member Dutch Token Society
Website www bushidoshop nl
Translated by Google TranslateOno Yoshimitsu Tanto Mukansa NBSK certificate year 1980
This tantō was forged by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a distinguished Japanese swordsmith born in 1948 in Niigata Prefecture. He began his training in 1969 under the guidance of the Yoshihara brothers, Yoshihara Yoshito and Yoshihara Shoji, both recognized as national swordsmiths. In 1975, he received official approval to forge swords, and by 1976, he had established his own forge: the Ono Yoshimitsu Swordsmith in Niigata.
Ohno Yoshimitsu has achieved national recognition, receiving:
Takamatsunomiya Prize – Five times
Encouragement Prize – Twice
Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Prize – Once
Effort Prize – Five times
In 1987, he was designated mukansa (exempt from inspection), a prestigious title granted only to swordsmiths of exceptional and consistent quality.
Blade Characteristics
Sugata (Shape): Tantō
Jihada (Grain): Fine itame-hada with a masu-gokoro pattern, displaying precision forging and a controlled steel texture
Hamon (Temper Line): A complex, varied hamon alternating between suguha-style elements and koashi-iri tsubu-gachi-me, reflecting advanced heat treatment and artistic expression
Mei (Signature):
Omote (Front): 由光作 ("Made by Yoshimitsu")
Ura (Back): 昭和五十五年八月吉日 長谷川誠氏之為
("On an Auspicious Day in August 1980 [Showa 55], made for Mr. Hasegawa Makoto")
Japanese Tantō (Short Sword)
Ohno Yoshimitsu (小野由光)
Date August 1980 (Showa 55)
Kurosaki-cho, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Nagasa 25.3 cm
This blade was made when the smith was 32 years old and represents a mature work early in his independent career. It demonstrates the refined craftsmanship and elegant styling for which Ohno Yoshimitsu would become known.
Condition
Overall Blade Condition: Excellent – well-preserved with visible jihada and hamon
Polish: Original polish excelent condition .
Mountings/Fittings: [Specify if in shirasaya, koshirae, or bare blade]
Appraisal Assessment
This tantō holds high value as a work by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a mukansa-level swordsmith. Its early date, documented dedication, and clear mei add to its provenance and historical interest. The blade's aesthetic quality, forging precision, and connection to a named individual increase its desirability among collectors of gendaitō (modern Japanese swords).
NBSK Certificate.
Seller's Story
Continuing your pursuit of the Bushido path and Japanese antiques, you may discover that each piece you encounter carries a unique narrative, inviting you to unveil the wisdom and ethos of the Samurai. Through these artifacts, you can forge a personal connection to the noble ideals of Bushido, allowing you to understand:
Honor, discipline, integrity, and loyalty.
It is our way of life that we share with you.
We hope you enjoy your journey into Japanese history, just as we do.
looking forward to meet
Member Dutch Token Society
Website www bushidoshop nl
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Excellent
Height
3 cm
Width
3 cm
Depth
3 cm
Overall Length
25.3 cm
Estimated Period
1970-1980
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
