Bizen Yasumitsu

designation:	Tokubetsu Hozon
period:	Oei (ca. 1400)
nakago:	Nijimei 康光, one mekugiana, ubu
nagasa:	27cm

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This is a very typical and excellent work by the Oei Bizen smith, Yasumitsu. He, along with Morimitsu and Moromitsu are considered the Oei San Mitsu, the three Mitsus of the Oei period. They are representative smiths of their school and period.

Furthermore, Yasumitsu is considered to be of the top rank, both in his own school, and across all schools of his time period (and even half of the previous period, the Nambokucho).

This tanto is flawless, with beautiful mokume hada formed in accordance with the maker's legendary reputation for precise kitae. It exhibits vivid bo utsuri, as is typical for this smith and this period, and has a perfectly executed ito suguba hamon. Suguba is considered the most difficult hamon to execute, since it will betray even the slightest error or lack of skill on the part of the smith.

There is a story about the Italian artist Giotto, who was asked to produce an artwork for the Pope to indicate his skill. This artwork would be used as the basis for his consideration to create frescos in St. Peter's cathedral. Giotto's response was to draw freehand a perfect circle. On the basis of his submission, he was selected for the job. It is fair to consider this a similar act to making perfect suguba hamon, in that any errors or weaknesses in Giotto's technique would be easily betrayed by the subject matter of the perfect circle. Similarly the master swordsmith shows off his skill in the execution of perfect and uniform suguba hamon.

The koshirae of this tanto are most excellent. The habaki itself is a work of art, and features the Maeda family mon executed in sukashi on a two piece solid gold base. The style of the tanto is suited for daimyo, and this presentation can be seen in books on tanto koshirae.

The menuki are main line Goto, in rare and perfect condition. Unfortunately, there is a missing kozuka.