The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
This is a tanto made by Kunitoshi, a smith from Tsugaru (present-day Aomori Prefecture). It was made in 1980 and was formerly owned by the 45th Yokozuna, Wakanohana I, who received it from a local supporter. Kunitoshi, also known as Nigara Kunitoshi, was born in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture in 1906, studied under Horii Toshihide and Kurihara Hikosaburo, and served as an Army authorized swordsmith before the war, winning the Army Minister's Award for his sharp and practical blades.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
Aomori · around 1926-1989
4 pieces on the market now
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
Price on request
This is a tanto made by Kunitoshi, a smith from Tsugaru (present-day Aomori Prefecture). It was made in 1980 and was formerly owned by the 45th Yokozuna, Wakanohana I, who received it from a local supporter. Kunitoshi, also known as Nigara Kunitoshi, was born in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture in 1906, studied under Horii Toshihide and Kurihara Hikosaburo, and served as an Army authorized swordsmith before the war, winning the Army Minister's Award for his sharp and practical blades.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
Aomori · around 1926-1989
4 pieces on the market now
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
Price on request
