Antique Japanese Tantō, Signed "Naoyuki" (直幸) — NBTHK Hozon Tōken, a Higo Dōtanuki School Auspicious Gift Blade Inscribed "Senshū Banzairaku"

A crisp, taut hoso-suguha of nie over a rich nie-deki itame-hada, complete with custom koshirae, shirasaya, and kiribako storage box — a true heirloom gift for longevity and prosperity

We are pleased to present a wonderful, auspicious tantō by Naoyuki (直幸), a distinguished swordsmith of the Higo Dōtanuki school active in the late Edo period (Shinshintō era), accompanied by an NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai) Hozon Tōken certificate issued in 2022, as well as its own dedicated protective kiribako (paulownia wood storage box). Complete with both a refined custom tantō-koshirae and a traditional shirasaya, this extraordinary set is a true heirloom-quality piece, crafted as a celebratory gift for longevity and lasting prosperity.

On the smith and auspicious inscription — Naoyuki (直幸)

Naoyuki was a skilled swordsmith of the legendary Dōtanuki school that flourished in Higo Province (Kyūshū) during the late Edo period. Renowned for producing swords of exceptional sharpness and durability, Naoyuki infused this masterpiece with deep symbolic meaning.

On the nakago (tang), the front is inscribed with the smith's signature, "Naoyuki" (直幸), while the reverse bears the celebratory phrase "Senshū Banzairaku" (千秋万歳楽). Meaning "Celebration of Eternal Longevity and Endless Prosperity," this rare inscription signifies that the blade was custom-crafted as an auspicious gift to bring good fortune, health, and success to its recipient and their lineage.

Workmanship and condition

Preserved in outstanding condition, the blade displays pristine health, entirely free from flaws, rust, or chips. The jigane is a finely forged itame-hada (wood-grain pattern) rich in nie-deki. The hamon is an elegant, tight hoso-suguha (thin straight temper line) in nie — a crisp, taut design that combines functional strength with pure, tranquil beauty. The bōshi (tip temper) moves with a spirited midare-komi entry, returning in a sharp tip (togatte kaeru), adding a sharp focus to the apex of the blade.

Form

A beautifully proportioned hira-zukuri tantō of classical posture with no curvature (mu-sori, 0.0 cm). Boasting a solid thickness (motokasane of 7.1 mm) relative to its delicate width (motohaba of 20.6 mm), it offers a firm, substantial heft in the hand that reflects the practical martial philosophy of the famous Dōtanuki school.

The mounting (koshirae, shirasaya & kiribako)

This exceptional blade is equipped with a complete set of luxurious mountings. The tsuka (hilt) and upper section of the saya (scabbard) feature fine kizami (grooved texturing), and the saya is finished in a rich, textured tame-nuri (plum-lacquered) style, accented with high-grade decorative metal fittings. The blade is further accompanied by a traditional shirasaya and a tailored kiribako (paulownia wood storage box) for safekeeping and graceful presentation across generations.

Brimming with auspicious grace, preserved in flawless condition, and accompanied by dual mountings, a custom storage box, and official NBTHK certification — this Naoyuki tantō set is a supreme treasure destined to be passed down as a cherished family heirloom.

Specifications

• Type: Tantō (短刀), hira-zukuri with iori-mune; ubu, zaimei (signed); Shinshintō era (late Edo period)
• Smith: Naoyuki (直幸), Higo Dōtanuki school
• Signature (mei): Front: "Naoyuki" (直幸); Back: "Senshū Banzairaku" (千秋万歳楽 / an auspicious inscription for longevity and prosperity)
• Jigane: Itame-hada rich in nie-deki
• Hamon: Crisp, taut hoso-suguha in nie
• Bōshi: Midare-komi entry, returning togatte kaeru (sharp-tipped turn-back)
• Length of edge (nagasa): 19.8 cm (approx. 7.80 in / approx. 6 sun 5 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 0.0 cm (mu-sori)
• Width at base (motohaba): 20.6 mm (approx. 0.81 in)
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 7.1 mm (approx. 0.28 in)
• Weight (blade only): 130 g
• Weight (blade in mounting, without scabbard): 240 g
• Condition: Excellent; flawless, no rust or chips
• Accessories: Koshirae (kizami tsuka, tame-nuri lacquered saya), shirasaya, kiribako (storage box)
• Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken
• Registration No.: Kumamoto No. 43825 (熊本 第43825号)