This tanto is a large, nearly intact, very well-preserved piece. It has been polished beautifully throughout. The itame hada mixed with mokume is very active and shows hataraki such as chikei and yubashiri.

The thin Suguha is gradually thickening toward the tip, and the overall appearance is niedeki. The nakago is engraved with the inscription "Michinao. Michinao was a swordsmith active in Echizen Province in the late Edo period around the time of the Tempo Era, and is famous for his powerful and dynamic style. This is the work of the first Michinao, whose real name was Yatabe Kizaimon. He is also said to be a disciple of Aizu VIII Toshiro Nagamichi.

The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords has certified this piece as worthy of preservation for posterity and issued a certificate of authenticity from Hozon Token. Despite its excellent preservation condition, certificate of authenticity, polishing condition, and style, this sword is being sold to you at a very reasonable price. Don't miss this opportunity!

• Blade length: 32.1 cm
• Curvature: 0.5 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Motohaba: 27.4 mm
• Motokasane: 6.4 mm
• Signature: Michinao(front)
• Era: Shinshinto
• Structure: Hira-zukuri, Iori-mune
• Jitetsu: Itame
• Hamon: Suguha
• Boshi: O-maru
• Weight(blade only): 240 g
• Nakago: Ubu
  
• Original Registration No.: Niigata 061865