Tantō – Onizuka Yoshikuni (Chikuzen Province)

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichō (Kōshu / Class A)

This tantō is signed Onizuka Yoshikuni (鬼塚吉國), a regional swordsmith working in Chikuzen Province (Kyūshū). The blade dates to the late Muromachi to early Edo period and represents the provincial Kyūshū tradition, which is known for producing practical, well-forged blades with strong regional character. Signed examples by Onizuka Yoshikuni are comparatively uncommon.

The blade is accompanied by older NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichō papers (Kōshu / Class A), issued in 1976, confirming the authenticity of the signature and recognizing the sword as an especially precious example under the former NBTHK appraisal system, which predates the modern Hozon structure.

Measurements

• Nagasa: Just under 8 sun 7 bu
  (approx. 26.3 cm / 10.4 inches)

Koshirae

The tantō is mounted in an attractive aikuchi-style koshirae. The tsuka is finished in finely carved bamboo-style wood (take-zaiku), showing good age patina and careful workmanship. The fittings are minimal and appropriate to the aikuchi form, with small decorative menuki adding subtle detail without overpowering the mounts.

The saya is finished in a dark brown lacquer with fine speckling, giving it a refined and understated appearance. The lacquer shows honest age and light wear consistent with period use but remains in very good overall condition. The koshirae is well balanced and complements the blade nicely.

Summary

A signed and papered Kyūshū tantō by Onizuka Yoshikuni, offered complete with well-preserved aikuchi koshirae. This piece combines regional interest, historical authenticity, and attractive mounts, making it an appealing example for collectors seeking less common provincial schools and older NBTHK papered swords.