This dagger is a unique piece that received completely different appraisals from two different institutions. First, in October 2000, Tokuno Kazuo, renowned in sword appraisal and founder of the United Association of Japanese Sword Research, authenticated this piece as made by Rai Hidetugu, who was active during the Joji era of the Nanboku-cho period, and his appraisal certificate is attached. Hidetugu is said to be the son of Kunihide, a disciple of the first Rai Kunitsugu, but information about him is scarce, making him an enigmatic swordsmith. On the other hand, in August 2025, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords authenticated this tanto as the work of Kunihisa of the Uda school and issued a Hozon certificate. Kunihisa was the son of Kunifusa. The Uda school traces its origins to Kunimitsu, who migrated from Uda in Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture) to Etchu Province in the late Kamakura period, producing outstanding swordsmiths like Kunifusa and Kunimune. Considering its age, the preservation is exceptionally superb, with absolutely no flaws. It is in such fine condition that it could easily be displayed in a museum. The jigane exhibits well-kneaded itame grain, with visible chikei and yubashiri. The hamon is a slender sugaha reminiscent of Yamato-den, crafted for practicality yet achieving ultimate beauty. The nakago is ubu and unsigned, but with such superb preservation and the aura of the Koto period, this piece deserves a place in your collection. Blade length: 24.4 cm Curvature: Inward Number of Mekugi hole: 1 Motohaba: 25.2 mm Motokasane: 5.7 mm Signature: No signature Era: Koto Structure: Hira-zukuri, Iori-mune Jigane: Itame Hamon: Hoso-suguha Boshi: Massugu Haitte Togatte Kaeru Weight: 140 g(blade only) Nakago: Ubu Koshirae: Shirasaya Original Registration No.: Tokyo 284454 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.