Very rare Japanese Tanto Nidai Muramasa 二代村正 One of the most famous and talked about smiths in Japanese history.(Sold)

It is a rare pleasure to have a sword in my private collection such a famous smith as the second generation Muramasa. This tantô is one such sword. For hundreds of years the swords of nidai Muramasa (二代村正) have been regarded as swords with evil powers. When we say evil powers we are speaking about their supposed ability to cause bad things to happen to their former owners, the Tokugawa family. The Tokugawa family who ruled Japan for 250 years certainly felt that the swords of Muramasa boded ill for their family, thus fostering and enhancing this reputation. Very rare Japanese Tanto Nidai Muramasa Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (Koshirae NBTHK Tokubetu Hozon Tosogu) Signature Muramasa (村正, 2nd Generation) Chu Koto Saijo Saku Ise Province. habaki Gold wrapped double Habaki. Blade length: 27.5 cm or 10.8 inches. Width at the hamachi: 2.3 cm or 0.9 inches. Kasane: 0.5 cm or 0.2 in. The weight of the sword: 150 grams Shape: The width of the body and the overlapping Nakago is a work that expresses the appearance of Muramasa, who is said to be a Tanago-Bada. Jigane: Itame and Mokume are mixed, it’s unique blackish Jigane. Hamon: Front and back Hamon are the same, which is a characteristic of Muramasa. Era: late Muromachi period, mid 16th century. Characteristics: Muramasa is a school of swordsmiths active in Kuwana, Ise Province, whose swords are known as Yoto (妖刀, “wicked katana”), originating from Sengo Muramasa. Muramasa was popular since the Muromachi period for its sharpness and unique Hamon with the front and back matching. However, because Ieyasu’s grandfather Kiyoyasu and father Hirotada were killed with Muramasa swords, and Muramasa was used to mediate when his eldest son Nobuyasu was forced to commit seppuku, and Ieyasu himself was injured by Muramasa, Muramasa was detested and many were thrown out or their inscriptions were cut off. Koshirae : (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu) Kanagu: Silver with gold inlay. signature (Fuchi): Oohashi Sha Yoshimasa(大橋舎よし正瑩之) Saya: black scabbard Kozuka: A small dark brown figure decorated with a tortoise shell crest, and a design of five plovers flying about is carved in high relief and painted in gold. Menuki: Menuki: Shakudo Menuki, a treasure ship is carved and painted with gold and silver colors. Tsuka: polished shark skin The Muramasa inscription on many pieces was unfortunately cut off or changed, as the Muramasa was an anathema during the Edo period. This piece also has traces of the name cut off. Muramasa is very rare. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetu Hozon Tosogu