This is a superbly preserved short dagger crafted in the late Edo period.

The blade is fully polished throughout, nearly flawless and in excellent condition. The jigane displays a bold grain pattern blending itame and mokume, with the chikei clearly visible. The hamon is a deep, rich gunome pattern, its high points uniformly aligned like prayer beads, with visible ashi. The nakago is inscribed with the name Tomotsugu.

While the name Tomotsugu might bring to mind Uda Tomotsugu, in February 2019, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords appraised this work as being made during the Shinshinto period. The Shinshinto period was a movement reviving the practical Japanese swords made during the Koto period, and this work also reflects that aesthetic. Based on its overall composition, it is presumed to have been made in the Etchu region.

The koshirae includes a shirasaya scabbard and uchigatana-style fittings. The tsuka is wrapped in a tsumami-maki style using iron navy silk cord, and all fittings are original period pieces. The scabbard features an elegant lacquer finish reminiscent of a bamboo flute called Shinobue, and it is equipped with a kozuka.

Considering the excellent condition of both the blade and fittings, along with the existence of the appraisal certificate, this piece is truly captivating and is sure to move your heart.

• Blade length: 33.7 cm
• Curvature: 0.3 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Motohaba: 29.0 mm
• Motokasane: 6.2 mm
• Signature: Tomotsugu(front)
• Era: Shinshinto
• Structure: Hira-zukuri, Iori-mune
• Jigane: Itame with Mokume mixed in
• Hamon: Gunome
• Boshi: Midarekomi
• Weight: 260 g(blade only)/400 g(without Saya)
• Nakago: Ubu
  
• Koshirae: Iron navy silk wrapped Tsuka with Shinobue-lacquered Saya/Shirasaya
• Original Registration No.: Tokyo 258719
• Certificate: NBTHK Hozon

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