Late-Muromachi Tokubetsu Hozon Tanto by Naminohira Saneyuki of the Satsuma School

A Late-Muromachi Masterpiece: Tanto by Naminohira Saneyuki – NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token

This exceptional tanto, attributed to the celebrated Satsuma swordsmith Naminohira Saneyuki, stands as a superb example of late-Muromachi craftsmanship. Certified by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (NBTHK) with the coveted Tokubetsu Hozon Token designation, it is recognized as a blade of outstanding cultural and historical importance. Such a paper represents one of the highest levels of preservation and authenticity granted by Japan’s foremost sword appraisal society.

The Naminohira School of Satsuma

The Naminohira lineage traces its roots back to the early Kamakura period and became the most enduring and influential school of swordsmiths in Satsuma Province (modern Kagoshima). Throughout centuries of continuous work, the Naminohira smiths developed a distinctive style renowned for a combination of strength and elegant simplicity. By the late Muromachi period (15th–16th century)—a time marked by civil conflict and the rise of regional warlords—the demand for practical yet refined weapons was immense. Naminohira blades of this era are prized for their resilient forging and subtle, understated beauty, reflecting the pragmatic yet artistic spirit of Satsuma sword culture.

Dimensions and Shape

This tanto measures 28.4 cm in cutting edge length (nagasa), with an absolutely straight profile (sori 0 cm), typical of many late-Muromachi fighting daggers. The blade is forged in hirazukuri form, a flat cross-section that enhances its piercing ability, combined with an iorimune—a peaked back ridge that lends structural strength. At the moto-haba (base width) the blade measures 2.6 cm, tapering slightly to 2.3 cm at the kissaki (point). The thickness moves from 0.48 cm at the base to 0.4 cm at the point, creating a well-balanced tanto with a subtle, effortless feel in hand.

Tang and Mountings

The nakago (tang) bears a single mekugi-ana (peg hole), showing careful, traditional shaping. Fitted to the blade is a finely crafted two-piece gold-foil habaki, a fitting that both secures the blade in its scabbard and showcases the status of the piece. The luxurious gold foil is an elegant accent, underscoring the blade’s importance and the esteem in which it was held by its original owner.

A Blade of Historical Significance

During the turbulent Sengoku era, a tanto such as this served multiple roles: as a practical sidearm for samurai, as a gift or token of allegiance among lords, and as a personal statement of taste and refinement. The combination of utilitarian form and refined workmanship embodies the dual nature of Japanese swords as both weapons and works of art. Although the specific jigane (forged steel grain), hamon (temper pattern), and bōshi (tip temper) details are not documented here, the NBTHK’s award of Tokubetsu Hozon status assures that the blade meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity for its school and period.

Collecting and Legacy

For the modern collector, this Naminohira Saneyuki tanto represents an ideal balance of artistry, history, and certified provenance. Its late-Muromachi origin places it in one of the most dynamic periods of Japanese sword history, when regional schools honed their techniques to meet the demands of constant warfare while still producing blades of quiet, enduring elegance. The Tokubetsu Hozon paper guarantees not only authenticity but also that the blade is considered worthy of special preservation for future generations.

In sum, this is far more than a simple dagger: it is a living artifact of Satsuma’s storied sword-making tradition and a refined testament to the skill of Naminohira Saneyuki. Both martial in spirit and artistic in execution, it stands today as a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, carrying forward the legacy of a school that shaped the sword culture of southern Japan for centuries.