Smith Signed ‘Yuki Mune Muromachi Bizen Work Japanese Tanto Blade Smith Signed ‘Yuki Mune’, Protective J Other Blades

ANCIENT BLADE**Late 16th Century Muromachi Bizen Work Japanese Tanto Blade Smith Signed ‘Yuki Mune’, Protective Japanese Maple Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts Additional Carved Ox Bone Hilt With Wood Blade, Scabbard & Expert Assessment Notes. Sn 18051:1 - 18051:1

This is an ancient Japanese tanto blade which has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His hand written assessment notes accompany this tanto. Extracts from the assessment and notes include “Looks like late 16th century age (Muromachi) period. This is Bizen or associated provinces work. Its nakago tang shape is typical of this school’s style. The forging is also right for this school. Grain is running itame getting tired& worn on one side with use and polishing over many years. It has a hamon of suguha with very fine nie crystals along the edge. There is also activity inside the hamon which is a sign of good work. The 2 kanji signature I read as Yuki Mune. I can only find one man in my books at this period. Yuki Mune (Eisho 1504-1521 Buzen province used art names Ryokai Yuki Mune. He lived in Usa Buzen Province and was 2nd Generation to use this art name. It was mounted in ox bone carved mount in the late 19th Century, Meiji period for export . The carving is well done depicting Chinese Scholar reading to Children. A nice looking display item”. In his illustration of the blade he adds “cutting edge is just over 8”. Total length just over 10 ½”. Decorative file marks on tang are extreme right slant. Shape of Nakago Jiri is Kuri Jiri”. The price for this ancient blade with original UK expert opinion includes UK delivery. Sn 18051:1

£1,250.00