Tanto signed Geishu-ju Izumo-daijo MASAMITSU The second month, third year of Keio (1867) with) Black Stone surface lacquered scabbard tanto Koshirae fitting
Shin shin to End of Edo period (The third year of Keio/1867) Aki
Length of cutting edge28.7cm Curvature0.2cm Width of base28.7mm Thickness of base7.1mm
NBTHK(HOZON) certificate
Blade construction: Hira-zukuri tanto, Iori-mune, Mihaba is wide and blade is long. There is almost no curve and Fukura in upper area in full.
Forging(Hada): Fine Itame-hada. There is UTSURI reflect activity stands out on Hira-ji.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is straight SUGUHA of which temper edge is covered in bright Ko-nie glitter.
Tang(Nakago): Nakago is in UBU original. One peg hole. Kurijiri round heel shape and Osujikai slanted left filemarks.
Temper of tip (Boshi): Boshi is straight with small circle then a little deeply turns back.
MASAMITSU in Aki province was born in 1802 (the second year of Kyouwa), said that he studied under Aoki Motonaga in Owari. He enjoyed Izumi-daijo title in 1829. He offered the katana to Asano feudal lord in 1840 (11th year of Tenpo), then became to work exclusively for Hiroshima clan in 1858. This tanto, because of the date of year, was made when he was 66 years old. Wide in Mihaba and long blade with full upper area, that is a typical shape in middle of 19th century. There is a slight hitting nick trace at 73mm from the tip in front, where has been purposely remained as it is to keep the original shape and historucal value. Another highlight is an original koshirae fitting that consists of Gold color Rayskin antique purple lozenge silk cord wrap hilt, Menuki is copper ground, gold inlay Choji (clove) motif, Iron Fuchi/Kashira, silver edge rim, bamboo leaves design, Iron Tsuba wizard living in the mountain theme and Copper ground Kozuka Tiger/Bamboo gold Iroe motif. It is rare to accompany an original koshirae fitting and the chiselled date of year adds historical value as well.
Old copper habaki collar, Shira-Saya plain wood mounting included.
