Nihonto Tanto "Fujiwara Sukesada" with NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Description

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with copy of Tokosusho. Comes with NBTHK Hozon Certificate.

1) Papers and registration

NBTHK certificate (Hozon Tōsōgu)
Aikuchi tantō koshirae with black lacquer saya decorated in aogai mijin and finished in sasa-maki.
Full fitting set in mushi-zukushi (assorted insects) theme, unsigned.
Menuki with shishi motif.
Kozuka with floral design and iron rim, unsigned.
Tsuka with same and binrō-iro jabara-style wrap.
Issued by NBTHK on April 1, Reiwa 7.

2) Smith, school and period

The blade is signed Bizen Kōzuke Daijō Fujiwara Sukesada, an important representative of the Bizen-Osafune tradition in the early Edo period (shintō, 17th century).

Sukesada is one of the key names in the Edo-period revival of Bizen workmanship. Smiths bearing the honorary court title Kōzuke Daijō were especially active from the Kanbun era (1661–1673) onward.

His work is known for tightly forged fine grain and an elegant Bizen-style hamon that preserves classical Osafune aesthetics while reflecting the refined taste of the shintō period. Signed examples with this title remain highly desirable among collectors.

3) Blade

Elegant tantō of well-balanced proportions with a nagasa of 28.5 cm, representative of Edo-period Bizen workmanship.

The blade shows a clean, well-developed temper line running along the ha, executed with the controlled precision characteristic of Sukesada tradition. The steel surface displays a compact and homogeneous forging consistent with shintō Osafune work.

The nakago retains appropriate aged patina and proper period form with correctly placed mekugi-ana. Overall the blade conveys strong historical integrity within the Bizen school tradition.

4) Complete aikuchi koshirae — insect theme (mushi-zukushi)

This piece is mounted in a magnificent NBTHK Hozon aikuchi koshirae, conceived as a highly unified artistic ensemble.

The saya, finished in black lacquer with aogai mijin, creates a refined field of iridescent micro-sparkle over a deep ground, enhanced by the sasa-maki finish. The natural-tone sageo harmonizes beautifully with the warm palette of the mounting.

The most distinctive feature is the refined mushi-zukushi decorative program, consistently executed across the principal fittings:

• Kurikata with finely modeled dragonfly in relief with gilt accents.

• Fuchi decorated with butterfly and vegetal elements with subtle color detailing.

• Kashira featuring a multi-insect composition including butterfly and other insects in dark patinated relief with metal inlays.

The tsuka shows quality same with dense binrō-iro jabara-style wrap, tightly executed and visually rich.

The shishi menuki provide a classic martial counterpoint within the otherwise naturalistic decorative theme.

5) Kozuka and kogatana

The kozuka is elegantly integrated into the mounting, featuring a refined floral design with iron rim, fully consistent with the aesthetic language of the koshirae. The workmanship is delicate and well balanced.

The accompanying kogatana retains age-appropriate patina, completing a harmonious and highly collectible ensemble.

Technical sheet

• Smith: Bizen Kōzuke Daijō Fujiwara Sukesada

• School: Bizen Osafune

• Period: Early Edo (shintō, 17th century)

• Type: tantō

• Nagasa: 28.5 cm

• Mounting: complete aikuchi, mushi-zukushi theme

• Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōsōgu (koshirae)