Ordering number: 23897
Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Sakuyou Bakkashi Hosokawa Masayoshi
作陽幕下士細川正義
Kaei 3 Nen Kanoe Inu 8 Gatsu Hi (1850)
嘉永三年庚戌八月日
Shinshinto: Jyo jyo saku: Musashi
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Jyo Jyo saku ranking.
habaki:Gold painted rock Habaki
The blade was polished.
Blade length:22.12cm or 8.70inches.
Mekugi:1
Width at the hamachi:2.15cm or 0.84inches.
Kasane:0.48cm or 0.18inches.
The weight of the sword:110grams
Era: In August of Kaei 3, the late Edo period
Shape: Nakago is longer than normal swords
and has an inside warp. Beautiful shape.
Jigane: Koitamehada is grained well with Jinie.
Hadame is visible and Utsuri appears.
Hamon: Niedeki Suguha. Boshi turns back beautifully.
Special feature: Hosokawa Masayoshi(2nd) is a son of the 1st and was originally called Shuzeisa, and became a pupil at Suishinshi Masahide. He used Mei of Masakata first, and next Morihide, and at last Masayoshi. He became a employed swordsmith in Matsudaira family, feudal lord of Sakushu Tsuyama, and later he moved to Edo and made swords. He passed away in Ansei 5 at the age of 73. He practiced theories of his master and he is the actual successor, like Taikei Naotane. He was also good at Soshuden, but made brilliant swords with Bizenden.
Koshirae: Tsuba: Iron Tanto Tsuba whose rim is covered by silver.
Fuchi: Silver plate.
Kashira: Silver plate. Eggplant is engraved with gold color.
Saya: Aogai Chirashi Saya.
Menuki: Silver plate. Silver vase is engraved.
Kozuka: Shakudo-Nanako plate. Shishi-dogs and Mari ball are engraved with gold color.
Kojiri: Shibuichi plate. Eggplant is engraved with gold color.
Kaeritsuno/Kurigata: Eggplant is engraved with gold color.
From Aoi Art: Jigane is well-grained with Utsuri, apparently looks like old works.
Light Utsuri appears near Hamachi and Monouchi: reminding of Kunimitsu’s elaborate Jigane.
Koshirae is also well-made. We truly recommend this great blade with nice Koshirae.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata