Sword - Tamahagane - Japan - Early Edo period

In the early Edo period, during the Kanbun era, on the land of Aizu in Mutsu Province, this exquisite and dignified tanto was wrought by the renowned master Kunisada, whose ironwork is legendary. This piece presents a remarkably heavy form with a true 8 mm thickness typical of an “yoroi-doshi” (armor-piercing) type, and both sides feature finely hollowed grooves (sukegaki) carved in a disciplined pattern. It is a sword that embodies the samurai’s resolve and functional beauty to the utmost, complemented by a meticulously designed “kiku-saya jidai koshirae” (scabbard with period-inspired mountings) with a small tang, a rare relic that lets you feel the breath of history itself.

Form, Workmanship and condition
Although in old-polished condition, the blade has been carefully sharpened and remains in exceptionally good, sound shape for both blade and temper. The steel is tight with a layered, wood-grain pattern mixed with burl-like grain, hinting at the crisp luster and resilience typical of the late sword-making era. The hamon is a bright, clear energetic ko-nie based on a narrow straight temper line, and the blade edge softly features tiny boshi and ko-ji (little tempered points) that scintillate like scattered leaves, concealing a high level of technique within its quiet exterior. In width, the blade is comparatively thick, yet the two sides are cleanly pierced by round-mado “bohi” (hollow file marks), balancing ease of handling with elegant dignity.
One cannot help but be struck by the extraordinary 8 mm thickness of the armor-piercing silhouette. Although designed for close combat to pierce gaps between enemies and armor, the width and thickness balance harmoniously with the carved bohi, exuding refined grace. The tension of the Kanbun era—the hallmark of the early Edo period—breathes through the entire blade.

The mounting
The accompanying “kiku-saya jidai koshirae” is a true match for this stately tanto, a piece that shines with the connoisseur’s eye for intricate, period-appropriate craftsmanship. The scabbard bears a delicate, well-proportioned “kiri-mon” (scalloped chisel-cut pattern) and the era-inspired finish conveys a deep, austere patina that gives it a striking presence.
Notably, the hilt presentation features a superb “so-same-maki” wrapping with prominent large fukuro-maki (rayskin) on the grip. A sumptuous presence with the rayskin wrap on the entire grip has long been a symbol of the owner’s high status and exceptional devotion to the cherished blade. On the kashira ( pommel cap) is an enamel-style Tengu motif carved in period relief—a strong talismanic ward against misdeeds. In concert with the deep antiquity of the fittings, this period koshirae embodies the samurai spirit and aesthetic sensibility, making it a highly valuable piece for appreciation.

Specifications
Type: Tanto
Mei (signature): Kunisada
Era: early Edo period (Kanbun era)
Construction: Yoroi-doshi, bohi
Blade length: 24.3 cm
Sori: 0 cm
Moto-haba (base width): 28.2 mm
Moto-kitae (base thickness): 7.7 mm
Weight (blade only): 230 g
Weight (without scabbard): 360 g

Registration & Legal Documentation
All swords handled by our shop come with an official Japanese government registration certificate (Jūhō-tōken toroku-shō) issued by the State. This certificate indicates that the blade is legally registered within Japan. For export, surrender to the Japanese government is required, and our shop handles the entire export procedure. Note that this certificate does not authenticate or certify the swordsmith’s true identity, the originality of the mei, or attribution to the maker.