This newly arrived hidden dagger is a unique piece featuring a Toppei-style Western-inspired koshirae and a blade crafted in the Unokubi style in Koto era. The blade exhibits overall antique polish, presenting a clean finish with only a few minor scuffs; it shows no flaws such as forging defects or rust. The jigane displays a well-kneaded itame grain pattern with visible chigai. The hamon is a slightly deeper nioi-kuchi suguha. The unokubi structure further specializes the blade for thrusting. Both sides of the blade are carved with Sanskrit characters and grooves The Sanskrit characters depict Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha) and Fudo Myo-o (Acala). This suggests it was likely a protective amulet blade. The nakago is inscribed with “Soshu Hirotsugu.” The first Hirotsugu, grandson of the renowned Soshu master Sadamune, rose to prominence during the Nanbokucho period and continued to be active for several generations through the Sue-koto era. During the Sengoku period, the Tokai region became a particularly fierce battleground, leading to heavy consumption of Soshu works. Consequently, very few survive today, making them highly sought after. The koshirae features a Toppei-style scabbard with a pointed tip. The tsuka-maki is not made using traditional methods but is riveted, giving it a distinctly Western feel. Additionally, a brass plate protrudes from the scabbard, functioning as a stopper secured through the tsuba's hole to prevent the scabbard from accidentally slipping off. Considering the period when Hirotsugu was active, a different koshirae would have been fitted, but it is presumed this style was newly commissioned during the Bakumatsu period. In December 2021, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords authenticated this tanto as a genuine work by Hirotsugu and issued a Hozon certificate. It is an exceptional piece highly recommended for anyone seeking a truly unique Japanese sword. Blade length: 18.2 cm Curvature: 0.0 cm Number of Mekugi hole: 1 Motohaba: 18.1 mm Motokasane: 4.9 mm Signature: Soshu ju Hirotsugu Era: Koto Structure: Unokubi-zukuri, Iori-mune Jigane: Itame Hamon: Suguha Boshi: Massugu Haitte Hakikakeru Weight: 70 g(blade only)/140 g(without Saya) Nakago: Ubu Koshirae: Toppei style Koshirae Original Registration No.: Tokyo 323705 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This item will be shipped to you directly from Japan after the transaction is finalized. We will apply for an export permit from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and ship it once approval is granted. Please understand that this process takes approximately one month. Swords will be shipped by air freight (UPS or EMS) in most cases but, should air shipment to the winning bidder's country not be possible, it will be sent by sea. In Belgium, private sales of Japanese swords are prohibited by law, so bids from Belgium are not permitted.