A Hasebe Kunihira Tanto (長谷部国平)

Handling a signed Japanese sword in original condition from the Nambokucho period is a rare and precious adventure. Hasebe Kunihira worked in the capital province of Yamashiro and crafted this special tanto circa 1368, during the vicious warring period of the Northern and Southern courts of Kyoto. His pedigree is exceptional: his father, Hasebe Kunishige, is counted among Masamune’s ten celebrated students, and Kunihira carried that Soshu tradition forward with considerable skill. He is rated Jo-saku – a superior swordsmith – and at least three of his works have reached NBTHK Juyo status.

This is a classic Hasebe School hirazukuri tanto in the mid-period Soshu tradition. The itame mixed with masame hada carries abundant ji-nie, and the irregular ko-midare hamon travels up the blade with purpose, punctuated by refined elements of hitatsura. The boshi is midare-komi with a long kaeri, consistent with the finest Nambokucho period workmanship. The nakago is funagata – boat-shaped – a form closely associated with Masamune and his school, a deliberate nod to the great forefathers.

The vintage dashizame aikuchi-koshirae is magnificent – the hilt wrapped in ray skin, the kozuka depicting lucky god Hotei and carrying its own NBTHK Hozon certification. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon accompanies the blade. This is a truly rare Nambokucho signed sword to be held in the highest regard.