Ordering number:AS24277

Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Chounsai Koretoshi
Ansei 2 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu (February 1855)
長運斎是俊
安政二歳二月吉日

Shinshinto: Chujo Saku: Musashi
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for Chounsai Koretoshi.
Polished.
Habaki: Single-layer suaka.
Blade Length: 8 sun 9 bu (26.97 cm / 10.61 in)
Curvature: 0 cm
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 2.89 cm (1.14 in)
Thickness of Rim: 0.89 cm (0.35 in)
Sword Weight: 305 g
Era: Edo period, Ansei 2 (1855)
Shape: This tanto has a thick kasane, reminiscent of armor, giving it a robust appearance.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada with visible grain.
Hamon: Notare hamon from the hamachi, transitioning to a nioi-deki choji midare, ending with a small round boshi.

Features: Chounsai Koretoshi, son of Yonezawa Tsunatoshi, initially named Koretera, passed away at age 60 on November 2, 1895. He was known for his expertise in nioi-deki choji midare. The first generation was Chounsai Tsunatoshi, and there are collaborative works with him.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Thick iron tsuba with high-relief depictions of butterflies, dragonflies, and fireflies, adorned with gold inlay.
Fuchikashira: Iron with circular family crests and gold inlay.
Saya: Black and gray mottled pattern.
Menuki: Circular family crests with gold inlay.
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako-ji with high-relief peonies and butterflies, adorned with gold inlay.
Kogai: Shakudo nanako-ji with high-relief peonies and butterflies, adorned with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Chounsai Koretoshi was highly regarded in the Aizu domain of the Tohoku region. This sturdy tanto with nioi-deki choji midare was a favored piece. The koshirae likely belonged to a samurai of the domain, as indicated by the floral and insect motifs, which convey a gentle atmosphere.

NBTHK Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:500,000JPY