Antique Japanese Tantō, Signed "Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu saku" (日置藤原兼次作) — NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichō Tōken, Forged in the Final Turbulent Months of the Shogunate by the Official Smith of the Inshu Ikeda Clan

A well-kneaded itame-hada with visible yubashiri and a rich ko-gunome hamon, dated February 1867 — months before the Taisei Hōkan — complete with dual mountings: an aikuchi koshirae and a buffalo-horn shirasaya

We are pleased to present an extraordinary Bakumatsu-period tantō in exceptional condition, crafted during the turbulent final years of the Edo period (February 1867 / Keiō 3) by the celebrated Inshu domain swordsmith Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu (日置藤原兼次). The blade is accompanied by a prestigious Tokubetsu Kichō Tōken certificate from the NBTHK.

On the smith — Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu (日置藤原兼次)

A distinguished disciple of Yokoyama Sukekane, Kanetsugu served as an official domain swordsmith for the Ikeda family of Inshu (Tottori) starting in 1862 (Bunkyū 2). Following the Meiji Restoration, he relocated to Tokyo, where his master craftsmanship earned him monumental commissions: forging the ceremonial sword for the Ise Grand Shrine's Shikinen Sengū in 1886, and reproducing imperial treasures from the Shōsōin in 1887. In May 1907, he had the rare honor of forging a sword in the presence of the Crown Prince at Tottori Castle.

The nakago and historical context

The nakago (tang) is ubu (original) with a single mekugi-ana and clear, bold inscriptions. The omote (front) reads "Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu saku" (日置藤原兼次作), while the ura (back) reads "Keiō san-nen nigatsu jōjun" (慶応三年二月上旬 / early February 1867).

Forged in February 1867, this blade was created at the height of the political upheaval leading directly to the Taisei Hōkan (Restoration of Imperial Rule) by Tokugawa Yoshinobu later that same year.

Workmanship and condition

The blade has been fully polished and is in pristine, flawless condition. Presenting a classic hira-zukuri form with a robust thickness and impressive weight, it exudes a commanding presence. The jigane features a well-kneaded itame-hada (wood-grain pattern) with distinct forging layers and visible yubashiri (spilling nie), complemented by clear ji-nie. The hamon is a refined ko-gunome filled with a rich nioiguchi, flowing into a midare-komi bōshi that turns back into ō-maru.

Form

This hira-zukuri, iori-mune blade carries a nagasa (edge length) of 28.4 cm and a slight sori (curve) of 0.1 cm, with a substantial motohaba of 28.9 mm and motokasane of 7.3 mm — a sturdy, well-proportioned form.

The mountings (koshirae & shirasaya)

This complete package features dual high-quality mountings. The aikuchi koshirae is beautifully crafted with a rattan-wrapped tsuka (hilt) and sō-zame (full ray skin) saya, featuring an original kozuka (utility knife) and an unusual Western-style custom kurikata (cord-fastening fitting). The shirasaya is constructed with premium buffalo-horn accents.

A masterfully preserved Bakumatsu tantō with historical significance, dual mountings in superb condition, and provenance from an elite domain smith. A magnificent set to elevate any world-class collection.

Specifications

• Type: Tantō (短刀), hira-zukuri with iori-mune; ubu, zaimei (signed); Keiō 3 / February 1867, late Bakumatsu period (Shinshintō)
• Smith: Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu (日置藤原兼次), official domain swordsmith to the Ikeda family of Inshu (Tottori); student of Yokoyama Sukekane
• Signature (mei): Front: "Heki Fujiwara Kanetsugu saku" (日置藤原兼次作); Back: "Keiō san-nen nigatsu jōjun" (慶応三年二月上旬 / early February 1867)
• Jigane: Itame-hada with yubashiri and ji-nie
• Hamon: Ko-gunome with rich nioiguchi
• Bōshi: Midare-komi, returning to ō-maru
• Length of edge (nagasa): 28.4 cm (approx. 11.18 in / approx. 9 sun 4 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 0.1 cm (approx. 0.04 in)
• Width at base (motohaba): 28.9 mm (approx. 1.14 in)
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 7.3 mm (approx. 0.29 in)
• Peg holes (mekugi-ana): 1
• Weight (blade only): 270 g
• Weight (blade in mounting, without scabbard): 390 g
• Nakago: Ubu
• Mounting: Aikuchi koshirae (rattan-wrapped tsuka, sō-zame saya, original kozuka, Western-style kurikata); shirasaya with buffalo-horn accents
• Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichō Tōken
• Registration No.: Aichi No. 42990 (愛知 第42990号)