The blade of this tanto has a fine presence of chikei on the itame hada, and the surface is of nie workmanship. The notare-midare hamon also has gunome mixed in places. In addition, the nioi-kuchi has nie, and the overall work is very elegant. To make the aikuchi koshirae for this blade, Sadanao convened artisans in Hiroshima, where he resides, and produced the work himself. The scabbard is lacquered with a textured lacquer sprinkled with gold leaf, and the fuchi-kashira with gourd and horse motifs were handmade from scratch with great care. It is an expression of a completely new Sadanao worldview not found in antique koshirae. This tanto comes with an official certificate from the All Japan Swordsmith Association.

Mikami Sadanao's Profile

Mikami Nadanao was a disciple of the late Gassan Sadakazu II, a living national treasure. Over the years, he established his own unique style, not merely emulating but echoing the masterpieces of the Koto period. In recognition of his diligent efforts and achievements, he was appointed an Intangible Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture in 2006. As a former president of the All Japan Sword Artisans Association, he was instrumental in the development of the sword industry.

• Blade length: 26.1 cm
• Curvature: 0.1 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Signature: Sadanao Saku(front), Heisei Nijugo Nen Nigatsu Kichijitsu
• Fitting: Aikuchi Koshirae
• Original Registration No.: Hiroshima 62073