Features:

A published Sue-Koto tanto by Ryokai Yoshizane, once handled by Fujishiro and included in his reference Nihon Toko Jiten. Yoshizane was a swordsmith of the Tsukushi Ryokai school, an extension of the Yamashiro tradition, that migrated out of Kyoto during the violence of the Onin War, mid 1460’s. Tsukushi is an old name referring to the northern provinces of Kyushu and was the landing spot for Ryokai swordsmiths. This is a rare signed and dated example of their work, of high informational value such that Fujishiro included it for reference in his volume.

The blade features a longer nagasa and straddles the line between O-tanto and ko-wakizshi. There are hi carved on both sides of a hira-zukuri construction. The nakago is signed Ryokai Yoshizane Saku and dated Meio Ni Nen Hachi Gatsu Hi (Autumn, 1493). The jigane is a rustic itame hada. The hamon is a serene notare with subtle hataraki that impart a sense of calm. The hamon finishes in a notare-komi boshi.

Along with high quality Edo-period koshirae, including ribbed saya, soft metal tsuba, and kozuka.