A fine Hizen o-tanto By Shodai Tadayoshi, Edo period (early 17th century)
2114
A fine Hizen o-tanto
By Shodai Tadayoshi, Edo period (early 17th century)
Sugata (configuration): hira-zukuri, iori-mune
Kitae (forging pattern): ko-mokume in ji-nie with chikei
Hamon (tempered edge): Shizu-style notare in nioi with copious ashi, yo and bright utsuri
Boshi (tip); ko-maru with a short return
Horimono (carving): bo-hi on both sides
Nakago (tang): ubu, kuri-jiri with two holes and katte-sagari file marks; signed Hizen kuni Tadayoshi
Habaki (collar): two-piece, gilt-copper
Nagasa (length from the start of the tempered edge to the tip): 12 5/8in (31.9cm) long
Motohaba (width at start of tempered edge): 1 1/8in (2.9cm)
In shirasaya (wood storage scabbard)

With kanteisho certificate no. 688, issued by the Nihon Token Hozon Kyokai (Japan Sword Preservation Society), dated 2003.1.19
Estimate:
US$ 30,000 - 40,000
£19,000 - 26,000
€22,000 - 30,000

Footnotes

  • Provenance: Nabeshima Naoshige, Daimyo of Hizen province, by repute, and thence by descent to the current owner

    Published: Japan Sword Preservation Society, ed., Token to reikishi. no. 646, May, 2002, pg. 34.

    At first glance this sword appears to be a later Shizu school blade based upon the prominent ji-nie and the notare hamon. However, upon closer inspection of the forging pattern and the strength of the signature it becomes clear that this is indeed the work of the first generation Tadayoshi, whose work is extremely rare.

    Daimyo Naoshige appears to have custom ordered this blade in imitation of a ko-Shizu piece. The present owner purchased this sword directly from one of the descendants of the Nabeshima clan.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Jeff Olson Bonhams
Work
580 Madison Avenue
New York, 10022
United States
Work +1 212 461 6516
FaxFax: +1 212 644 9007
Specialist - Japanese Art