This tanto, attributed to Echizen Shimosaka, features a powerful kenmaki-ryu (dragon coiling around a sword) openwork carving, similar to works by 2nd Gen. Yasutsugu. Early Edo period Echizen smiths like Yasutsugu, Shimosaka school, and Sadakuni are known for such dynamic dragon carvings. The intricate openwork within the hitsu-ana is particularly rare and adds to the blade's dignity.
NihontoWatch
Echizen · around 1688-1704
Tōken Taikan top 14%
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
Under the Tokugawa peace the daishō became a regulated uniform, and demand gathered in the castle towns, above all Edo itself. The craft split two ways: brilliant display work for connoisseurs, and tested blades whose cutting results were sometimes inlaid in gold.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
This tanto, attributed to Echizen Shimosaka, features a powerful kenmaki-ryu (dragon coiling around a sword) openwork carving, similar to works by 2nd Gen. Yasutsugu. Early Edo period Echizen smiths like Yasutsugu, Shimosaka school, and Sadakuni are known for such dynamic dragon carvings. The intricate openwork within the hitsu-ana is particularly rare and adds to the blade's dignity.
NihontoWatchEchizen · around 1688-1704
Tōken Taikan top 14%
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
Under the Tokugawa peace the daishō became a regulated uniform, and demand gathered in the castle towns, above all Edo itself. The craft split two ways: brilliant display work for connoisseurs, and tested blades whose cutting results were sometimes inlaid in gold.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
