Mumei Ko-Mihara Tanto Nanbokucho Period in Shirasaya

Type: Tanto

Nakago: Mumei, ubu

Period: Nanbokucho period, ca. 1350–1380 AD

Papers: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

Horimono: Yes, Suken (sword) and double hi

Habaki: Silver foiled

Koshirae: None, shirasaya

Specifications:

Nagasa (Cutting-edge length): 28.18cm

Sori (Curvature): Nearly none.

Motohaba: To be measured

Sakihaba: To be measured

Description:

Attributed to the Ko-Mihara school and authenticated by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers in 2026. This is a Mumei tanto dating from the Nanbokucho period, approximately 1350–1380 AD, and represents the early Mihara tradition of Bingo Province.

The Ko-Mihara school flourished from the late Kamakura through the Nanbokucho period. Although based in Bingo Province, its workmanship shows a particularly strong Yamato influence, traditionally associated with the close connections between Bingo and the temples and estates of the central provinces. The most highly regarded smiths of the school include Masaie and Masahiro.

This Tanto mostly features itame hada mixed with mokume. There is an almost continuis nie “cloud” along the Hamon, which is beautiful. The Hamon is suguha, which is thin, comparable to some ko-kongobyoe works. The Hamon is close to the edge but not nearly so close that it will fall off, it is actually quite elegant and allows you to focus on the jigane.

The Tanto is in older polish, but was judged this year to be of the Ko-mihara school, there is some inactive rust and there are some scratches on the sword. With two big Kitae-ware which are in the Hamachi area below the habaki which are not very pretty, but are not fatal and when the Tanto is in shirasaya nearly invisible. This Tanto has some condition issues, but still serves as a lasting old Tokubetsu Hozon Tanto made in the Nanbokucho period.

Check out this Youtube video of this Tanto:

https://youtube.com/shorts/U-ABYx8MpdE