Japanese Ko-Tantō in Fine Decorative Koshirae (MEW2623)

A Koto-period Japanese ko-tantō dating to the late Muromachi era (15th–16th century), in elaborate Edo-period mounts. • Blade: The blade measures 7 15/16 inches (nagasa) in length. Forged in hira-zukuri form with itame hada (wood grain forging pattern) clearly visible, a characteristic feature of hand-forged Koto workmanship. The hamon is a straight suguha temper line, subtle but discernible along the edge. The tang (nakago) remains ubu (unshortened) with one mekugiana and bears a simple numerical inscription “十三” (13), used for assembly rather than as a smith’s signature. The nakago has developed a deep, natural patina appropriate to age. • Koshirae (Mounts): The tantō is accompanied by a fine decorative saya with matching fittings in copper and gilt. The saya and kojiri feature intricate engraved motifs of scrolling vines surrounding circular mon crests, each highlighted in gilt. The overall style reflects Edo-period craftsmanship, designed to display refinement rather than battlefield austerity. • Condition: The blade is healthy, with visible hada and hamon. Some light surface wear is present but does not detract from the presentation. Mounts are in very good condition with age-consistent patination.  $1495  Japanese Katana in Shirasaya with Sayagaki (SW1987) Period: Edo period, Kyōhō era (1716–1736) Mounts: Shirasaya with inked sayagaki attribution This is a fine Japanese katana mounted in a plain wooden shirasaya, bearing an inked sayagaki on the scabbard. The inscription attributes the sword to the Kyōhō era (1716–1736), citing the Minamoto lineage and the Hosoke family tradition. While unsigned (mumei), the attribution suggests a blade made in the Edo period revival schools under daimyo patronage. The blade features a graceful shinogi-zukuri form with a well-proportioned curve (sori) and an extended ō-kissaki. A prominent bo-hi (groove) runs the length of the blade, terminating gracefully in the kissaki. The hamon is an active irregular (midare) pattern with hataraki visible, continuing into a turning boshi with return (kaeri) at the tip. The nakago (tang) is ubu (unaltered), with one mekugiana, showing an even, natural patina consistent with its period. The blade shows areas of light scratches and surface wear, as well as minor oxidation near the habaki, but remains in solid condition with the hamon clearly visible. Dimensions: • Nagasa (blade length): [please confirm exact measurement, appears katana length ~27–28”) • Motohaba (width at base): [to be measured] • Motokasane (thickness at base): [to be measured] This katana represents a fine Edo period work, preserved with its historical sayagaki. A good example of an early 18th-century blade, attributed to the Minamoto lineage / Hosoke-den tradition