Antique Japanese Tanto 短刀, Kanekiyo 兼清 Signed, Gunome Hamon - Muromachi Period for Sale

Antique Japanese Tanto 短刀, Kanekiyo 兼清 Signed, Gunome Hamon - Muromachi Period For Sale

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Antique Japanese Tanto 短刀, Kanekiyo 兼清 Signed, Gunome Hamon - Muromachi Period:
$2150.00

A MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORIC ANTIQUE JAPANESE TANTO (短刀)
MUROMACHI PERIOD (1336–1573)The Blade and Metallurgy
An exceptional, combat ready dagger forged during the height of feudal clan warfare. This Hand Forged, Water Quenched Tamahagane (玉鋼) blade is configured in a sleek, graceful Hira Zukuri (平造) Profile. The cutting edge (nagasa / 長さ) measures an impressive 10 3/4 inches, showcasing a masterful, highly active Gunome Hamon (互目刃文 - undulating wave) temper line. This frosty, intensely textured temper line is rich with crystalline activity, revealing rolling, uniform waves that flow seamlessly along the edge and remain deeply pronounced as they sweep cleanly into the kissaki (切先 - tip). The steel matrix exhibits a beautifully tightly worked, fine grain structure throughout, a testament to traditional Muromachi craftsmanship. The unaltered tang (nakago / 茎) is boldly signed Kanekiyo (兼清), carrying a single clean mekugi-ana (目釘穴 - peg hole) wrapped in a rich, deeply aged dark brown patina.The Shirasaya and Accoutrements
The blade rests within a beautifully preserved Shirasaya (白鞘 - plain wooden storage mount) meticulously carved from traditional wood to ensure a moisture-regulated, secure environment for long-term preservation. The assembly features a traditional, custom-fitted Single-Piece Silvered Copper Habaki (鎺 - blade collar) showcasing refined vertical Neko-Gaki (cat-scratch) styling, exhibiting an honest, authentic historical loss to its silver plating that highlights its decades of genuine estate storage. The structure is locked tightly into place by a custom wooden mounting peg (mekugi / 目釘), completing a rock-solid, museum-grade display framework.Dimensions

Blade Length (Nagasa / 長さ): 10 3/4 inches
Tip to Tang End (Zen-chō / 全長): 14 1/4 inches
Overall Mounted Length: 15 7/8 inches
Total Length in Shirasaya (Saya-Chō / 鞘長): 16 1/2 inches

Historical Background
The Muromachi Period (室町時代, 1336–1573), culminating in the chaotic Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period), fundamentally reshaped Japanese military engineering. While long katana and tachi were favored for primary battlefield deployment, the tanto served as a critical, final line of defense for close quarters grappling (Yoroi-Kumiuchi) inside fortified castles and street. Swordsmiths of the Kanekiyo (兼清) lineage heavily associated with the renowned Mino and Yamashiro Forging Traditions were highly praised by Samurai for producing blades of remarkable toughness and biting sharpness. This signed masterpiece stands as a surviving artifact from an era where a warrior's weapon was the absolute unyielding safeguard of their survival.

Condition Report
Presented in outstanding, collector-grade overall condition, sourced from a recent estate collection and offered precisely as acquired. The blade retains a Magnificent, High-Tier Polish that beautifully illuminates the active Gunome Hamon and fine steel grain properties. The custom shirasaya wood grain is remarkably stable with an exceptional fit. Aside from the honest, age related cosmetic issue of the habaki's silvering, this signed piece remains free of structural flaws or fatal blemishes. A premier gallery specimen suited for advanced weaponry archives, cultural displays, or fine art collections.

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PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE BUYING
- If you purchase multiple items please wait for a combined invoice before paying.- Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed - further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask.- Payment is due within 3 business days after the close of the sale- New ers (10 or less response) must contact me prior to offerding; otherwise offers will be cancelled.- I describe all items to the best of my ability - please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing.- If for any reason you do not feel you can leave perfect positive response please immediately contact me so that I may have the opportunity to resolve the matter.- Mistakes very rarely occur - however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected.- International Buyers are Welcome! Please contact me if you have any question regarding shipping costs.- All packages are shipped USPS based on the dimensions, weight, & service - there is a $1.00 handling fee added to all packages to cover packing materials.- I generally ship within the stated handling time but this may not always be possible; if for some reason your package is going to be delayed I will immediately inform you and give you a full refund on shipping. Related Items: