ABOUT US: At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art. ITEM DESCRIPTION: Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate. A refined work from the late Edo period This tantō, signed 直口住兼利 (Naokuchi-jū Kanetoshi), is a remarkable example of late-Edo craftsmanship, combining a finely forged blade with a luxury koshirae executed with outstanding technical mastery. The entire ensemble —blade, mountings, lacquer work, and documentation— presents a coherent, elegant and highly prestigious piece. 1. The Blade — Kanetoshi, late Edo period The signature 兼利 (Kanetoshi) corresponds to a smith active in the greater Mino tradition and surrounding regions during the Edo period. The blade has been formally authenticated by the NTHK (Nihon Tōken Hozon Kai), which attributes it to: 「国不明　元治頃」 — “Undetermined school, Genji era (1864–1865)”, placing it firmly in the late Edo period, just prior to the Meiji Restoration. Hada — Itame mixed with mokume The jihada displays a lively, expressive itame combined with mokume. This creates a rich, layered steel texture visible under proper lighting. Activity, nie, and subtle depth are clearly present—hallmarks of careful forging and proper polishing. Hamon — Notare with ko-midare According to the certificate: 「湾れに小乱れまじり」 — a flowing notare with small irregularities. It is elegant, rhythmic, and visually engaging, with additional heat-treatment phenomena (yubashiri, yutsuri) that enhance the character of the blade. Boshi — Strong and clean Described as: 「焼き込み先掃ける」 — deeply extended, ending in a clean brushed-out finish. A textbook late-Edo boshi. Nakago — Honest, untouched Edo patina One mekugi-ana, fine patina, and a signature executed with confidence. Unaltered, stable, and completely authentic. Overall, this is a well-forged, balanced and aesthetically strong Edo tantō, with official authentication and excellent preservation. 2. The Koshirae — Late Edo, luxury execution, workshop of high rank The koshirae is one of the most striking elements of this piece. This is not a simple or functional mounting: it is a luxury Edo koshirae, made with fine materials and an extraordinary level of detail. Saya — Kawarinuri ribbed lacquer, deep brown The saya features a high-gloss, ribbed kawarinuri lacquer in dark brown. Its condition is exceptional: smooth, even, and remarkably well preserved for an Edo-period original. Kojiri, Koiguchi, and Kurigata — Shakudō, silver and gold These fittings are crafted in rich shakudō, with silver highlights and gold inlay (kin-zōgan). The motifs —dragons, waves and swirling clouds— are carved with tremendous precision and depth, characteristic of high-level specialist workshops. Tsuka — Superb craftsmanship throughout Tsukamaki in golden silk, perfectly tight and expertly executed. Samegawa of large, uniform nodules — high-grade ray skin. Fuchi-kashira in shakudō with gold and silver details, finely modeled and richly expressive. Menuki shaped as golden dragons, exquisitely carved with remarkable detail. Every element corresponds visually and aesthetically. This koshirae is coherent, refined, and unquestionably a luxury commission. 3. Who Could Afford Such a Piece in the Edo Period? A koshirae of this level was not accessible to common samurai. The materials —gold, silver, premium shakudō, specialist lacquer, and master-level carving— were expensive even in their time. Historically, a mounting like this would have belonged to: • A high-ranking samurai retainer (hatamoto) Those in direct service to the shogunate, with stipends large enough to commission luxury fittings. • A wealthy daimyō household retainers Senior officers (karō, metsuke, or yoriki-level samurai) who required weapons matching their social rank and public duties. • A daimyō’s personal household It is perfectly plausible that this tantō was part of the belongings of a noble family, or even a gift exchange between powerful clans, as high-grade tantō were frequently used for formal presentation. • Merchants of extraordinary wealth (towards late Edo) By the very end of the Edo period, extremely wealthy merchants sometimes commissioned such pieces as status symbols — but only the richest among them. In summary: This mounting signals prestige. It was crafted for someone of authority, wealth and elevated status. 4. Documentation — Official Registration and NTHK Authentication • Osaka Torokusho (Registration Certificate) – No. 1002333 Original Japanese registration document with full measurements. • NTHK Kanteisho Certificate A formal authentication by one of Japan’s two major sword organizations. Confirms: Signature: 直口住兼利 (Naokuchi-jū Kanetoshi) Period: Genji era, late Edo Structural details: hada description, hamon style, boshi form, and nakago features This greatly enhances the trust, provenance and long-term value of the blade. 5. Conclusion — A distinguished piece for a serious collection This tantō brings together: A signed late-Edo blade by Kanetoshi, Official NTHK authentication, A luxurious Edo koshirae with gold, silver and shakudō fittings of exceptional quality, A perfectly preserved lacquered saya, And the unmistakable character of a weapon once belonging to a noble or high-ranking household. It is a refined, artistic, historically significant ensemble — ideal for collectors who appreciate authentic Edo craftsmanship at its highest level. An Authentic nihonto japanese sword, difficult to find in Europe, without the consequent costs of importing from Japan or from Japanese sellers, which can increase the price of the sword by up to 30% and a months waiting for shipment and custom paperwork. A truly real nihonto to delight both new and experienced collectors. All my swords are originals, imported from japan and Europe during many years of collection. All bids are binding, if you are not interested don't let other bidders miss the opportunity. Winning the auction and not paying for the item blocks you from bidding on catawiki on any auction forever, keep this in mind before bidding. Please see my other samurai swords and items clicking on my seller name. Combine shipping avaliable.