Japan, Medieval. A Rare Muromachi Period Tanto Forged By Bishu Osafune Norimitsu, C.1500

The double-sided steel blade featuring a diamond-shaped cross section (known as a moroha blade) measures 274mm in total length, and 187mm from the ha-machi (blade notch under the habaki), the mildly midare-hitasura hamon (temper line) is visible on all ha (edges), adding a unique beauty to the blade, the kissaki (point) is sharp, at the base the habaki (metal sleeve) measures 21mm covering the ha-machi creating a seamless line, sitting below the habaki is a small Seppa (crossguard-like spacer) which rests atop the Tsuka. The blade shows light wear, scratched near the habaki and the habaki has been marked “30 30”, overall very fine condition.

The tsuka (handle) is a single palm grip. The Nakago (tang) is unpolished and measures 87mm in length, the mei (signature) on the nakago reads Bishu Osafune Norimitsu and the mekugi-ana (peg hole) is present in the center of the nakago slightly through the mei, the ho (bamboo handle) is wrapped in original Same with large nodules, featuring two bronze gilt menuki displaying an ornamental large cat, wrapped in white, green and purple cotton Tsuka Ito with classic diamond-shaped windows to feature the menuki, a black mekugi (bamboo peg) is present above the menuki and drives through the nakago, the fuchi (metal collar) is engraved with flower and leaf pattern, the kashira (pommel cap) engraves match the fuchi and offers a hole for the tuska ito to weave through for additional security. The Tsuka is in very fine condition, the kashira is loose and can be removed and the tsuka ito is lightly soiled.

The Tanto is encased in a saya (scabbard) composed of wood with a exterior black lacquer presenting concentric horizontal rings, the kurikata (knob) is present 38mm from the Koiguchi (scabbard mouth), featuring a smooth black lacquered knob with ornate gilt designs on the top and bottom, creating a ring for the sageo (cord), the seppa fits into the koiguchi, the kojiri (scabbard tip) matches the fuchi and kashira in floral engravings,  the sageo and rectangular metal fitting on the reverse are missing from this saya, otherwise near very fine condition.

Footnote: Tantos are short swords worn by the Samurai Class of feudal Japan. Norimitsu one of the top smiths of the Eikyo-Bizen School (1429-1465) during the mid-Muromachi Era (1400s-1590). During this period, the mei would include “Bishu” instead of Bizen, “Osafune” and the name of the maker. Osafune of Bizen Province was one of the largest sword production sites of the Muromachi Era.

Norimitsu (則光) stands out as one of the top smiths of this school during the Eikyo, Bunan (c.1446), and Kansho (1460-1466) periods.  The Norimitsu family can be related back to Sakonshokan Nagamitsu, who was active at the end of the Kamakura Period (1185-1333).