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Lot Essay
The Miike school of Chikugo province is one of the earliest, it originated in the Heian period. There is a famous National Treasure blade known as O-Tenta or big Tenta thts is signed Mitsuyo and dates from c.1070, which has a broad groove on either side of the blade. This seems to have been a trademark of this school even appearing on tanto blades. The name Mitsuyo was also used by successive generations down to the 15th century.
From the style of gold inlaid attribution it is possible that it is by Honami Kochu although it does not bear his kao.
The blade was made a Juyo Token in March 1965, the shirasaya bears a sayagaki stating that the blade was an heirloom of the Kino family.
From the style of gold inlaid attribution it is possible that it is by Honami Kochu although it does not bear his kao.
The blade was made a Juyo Token in March 1965, the shirasaya bears a sayagaki stating that the blade was an heirloom of the Kino family.