Antique Japanese Tanto, signed Hiromitsu (廣光) of Sagami (Sōshū) — hira-zukuri with bō-hi on both faces — in a period koshirae with charming puppy (kuji) menuki, kozuka and kōgai

Signed Sōshū Hiromitsu tanto · itame mixed with flowing (nagare) hada and ji-nie · a shallow ko-notare with gunome, ko-nie and kinsuji · a refined hira-zukuri with delicate hi both faces · complete period mounting with dog menuki

A high-toned hira-zukuri masterpiece bearing the signature of Hiromitsu, a master of Sagami province (Sōshū). A delicate groove (hi) is carved through its refined form, and both ground and edge are full of things to see. It is accompanied by a fine period mounting set with a lovable yet dignified puppy/dog (kuji) menuki — a piece that deeply rewards the pleasures of appreciation and possession.

Workmanship and condition

The state of polish is exceptionally good, drawing out the blade's beauty and soundness to the full; the one regret is a light scuff mark at the kissaki (point). The jigane is an itame mixed with flowing (nagare) grain, tending to stand, with fine ji-nie and a strong flavor of the forging. The hamon is a shallow, gently waving ko-notare mixed with gunome; ko-nie gather along the temper edge, and delicate activity such as kinsuji flows out along it. The tang (nakago) is cut with the two-character signature Hiromitsu.

Form

A beautifully balanced hira-zukuri figure, with a solid mihaba and a moderate kasane. A delicate hi is run cleanly through both faces, tightening the whole figure while improving the feel in the hand. Down to its ha-agari kurijiri tang, the construction is refined and evenly fleshed — a meticulous design, only to be expected of a master, that raises both practicality and artistry to a high level.

On the smith — Hiromitsu

Hiromitsu is a line of distinguished smiths who carried on the tradition of the Sōshū greats Masamune and Sadamune, winning fame in the Nanbokuchō period for a bold, Nanbokuchō-style workmanship and outstanding mastery of nie. The work of the successive generations strongly reflects the nie-laden skin and rich activity characteristic of the Sōshū tradition, and enjoys high popularity among later smiths and collectors alike.

The koshirae

A period mounting that further raises the dignity of the blade is included. The hilt is set with a puppy/dog (kuji) menuki, adding a note of color to the fittings as a symbol of protection against evil, of loyalty, and of good fortune. The saya is finished in black lacquer with a finely step-carved hakeme (brush-mark) texture, conveying a high-toned aesthetic within its quiet restraint; the silk twisted hilt wrap (tsuka-ito) is coated in black lacquer. A solid-silver-appearance silver habaki and elegantly designed fittings are harmonized as a matched set (issaku), and a kozuka and kōgai complete the ensemble as a full package of exceptional finish.

A superb Hiromitsu in which a refined hira-zukuri form set off by its groove, the lucid activity of the ground and edge, and a period koshirae with charming puppy menuki all come together as one. A supreme piece to take in hand and savor at leisure, immersed in the craftsman's design and the beauty of history.

Specifications

• Type: Tanto (hira-zukuri), with a hi (groove) on both faces
• Signature (mei): Hiromitsu (廣光), two-character signature
• Certification: none
• Smith / school: Hiromitsu — Sagami province (Sōshū tradition; Masamune–Sadamune lineage)
• Jigane: itame mixed with flowing (nagare) hada, standing grain with fine ji-nie
• Hamon: shallow ko-notare with gunome, ko-nie and kinsuji
• Blade length (nagasa): 20.8 cm / 8.19 in (about 6 sun 9 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 0 cm (mu-sori)
• Width at base (motohaba): 20 mm
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 7 mm
• Weight (blade only): 120 g
• Weight (without scabbard): 220 g
• Condition: very well polished and sound; a light scuff at the kissaki
• Mounting: period koshirae — black-lacquer hakeme saya, lacquered silk twisted hilt wrap, puppy/dog (kuji) menuki, silver habaki, matched fittings, with kozuka and kōgai
• Torokushō (Japanese registration) No.: Niigata 9111