matthewbrice

A teaser--soon to be formally listed, but available for purchase NOW. A fine IMPERIAL GIFT tachi. Blade is papered. This tachi was gifted by an Emperor to a member of the Imperial peerage for carry at Coronation. $19,000 plus postage (if paying via credit card or Paypal add their 3% fee) LAYAWAY available --Matthew Brice StCroixBlades.com

An exceptionally rare kenukigata tachi–style Japanese sword available. This Edo period utsuchi (tribute sword) faithfully recreates a National Treasure kenukigata tachi from the Heian period in tanto size. A kenukigata tachi features a distinctive mekugi-ana shape in the nakago. Kenukigata translates to “tweezers shape” in Japanese (or dog bone shape). This tanto shares the graceful sori (curvature) of an early tachi and closely mirrors that elegant profile. The blade displays a fine hamon and remains in excellent polish. The mumei blade measures 12 1/4″ (31.1 cm) in nagasa. The kaigata (oar-shaped) saya further enhances the presentation. Notably, it features a kurikata carved in the form of seashells. The mounts include a leather tsuba. Two photos below are provided of early Heian swords for comparison. Historical Context: Kenukigata Tachi The kenukigata tachi represents a rare and early Japanese sword style from the Heian period (794–1185). Craftsmen forged these swords from a single piece of steel, piercing the tang (nakago) with an opening that resembles tweezers (kenuki). Consequently, they stand as a crucial transitional form in Japanese sword development and serve as ceremonial predecessors to the traditional tachi and later katana. Key Features and Significance History: Swordsmiths developed the kenukigata form during the mid-Heian period, evolving it from the earlier warabitetō swords of the Tohoku region. Therefore, historians regard it as a prototype of the curved Japanese tachi. Usage: High-ranking imperial guards (Efu) primarily carried these swords for ceremonial purposes. Elite warriors also wore them as symbols of rank and prestige. CONDITION This fine kenukigata tachi–style sword remains in beautiful polish. Importantly, the blade shows no openings (ware) whatsoever.. Additionally, the lacquer exhibits only occasional small dents consistent with age. Overall, this antique Edo period piece presents exceptionally well and retains outstanding collector appeal. $3400 plus shipping w/payment via check, Zelle, Venmo, bank wire (add 3% if paying via PP or credit card) Visit StCroixBlades.com for more photos

Wonderful Sam!

Kenukigata Tachi Style Sword -Rare Japanese Tanto -Kaigata (Oar-shaped) Saya FOR SALE An exceptionally rare kenukigata tachi–style Japanese sword is now available. This Edo period utsuchi (tribute sword) faithfully recreates a National Treasure kenukigata tachi from the Heian period in tanto size. A kenukigata tachi features a distinctive mekugi-ana shape in the nakago. Kenukigata translates to “tweezers shape” in Japanese, which clearly describes the openwork form. This tanto shares the graceful sori (curvature) of an early tachi and closely mirrors that elegant profile. The blade displays a fine hamon and remains in excellent polish. The mumei blade measures 12 1/4″ (31.1 cm) in nagasa. The kaigata (oar-shaped) saya further enhances the presentation. Notably, it features a kurikata carved in the form of seashells. The mounts include a leather tsuba. Historical Context: Kenukigata Tachi The kenukigata tachi represents a rare and early Japanese sword style from the Heian period (794–1185). Craftsmen forged these swords from a single piece of steel, piercing the tang (nakago) with an opening that resembles tweezers (kenuki). Consequently, they stand as a crucial transitional form in Japanese sword development and serve as ceremonial predecessors to the traditional tachi and later katana. Key Features and Significance Design: These blades incorporate an openwork handle formed as part of the blade itself. Rather than attaching a separate wooden hilt secured by a mekugi peg, the user gripped the integrated tang directly or wrapped it lightly. As a result, the design reflects an early stage in sword mounting evolution. History: Swordsmiths developed the kenukigata form during the mid-Heian period, evolving it from the earlier warabitetō swords of the Tohoku region. Therefore, historians regard it as a prototype of the curved Japanese tachi. Usage: High-ranking imperial guards (Efu) primarily carried these swords for ceremonial purposes. Elite warriors also wore them as symbols of rank and prestige. Condition This fine kenukigata tachi–style sword remains in beautiful polish. Importantly, the blade shows no openings (ware) whatsoever.. Additionally, the lacquer exhibits only occasional small dents consistent with age. Overall, this antique Edo period piece presents exceptionally well and retains outstanding collector appeal. $3400 plus shipping w/payment via check, Zelle, Venmo, bank wire (add 3% if paying via PP or credit card) Visit StCroixBlades.com for more photos

Rare size--very difficult to find. This o-kozuka measures 4″ (10.1 cm) by 11/16″ (1.7 cm). A regular-sized kozuka measures 3 13/16″ (9.7 cm) by 9/16″ (1.4 cm). This kozuka has high relief shakudo, gold, and silver features. Desirable motif. This kozuka comes boxed. $750 (plus postage) --Matthew Brice http://www.StCroixBlades.com

St. Croix Blades’ EBAY STORE has Swords and Tosogu ON SALE NOW —MOST ARE 20-30% OFF! Get an ADDITIONAL 5% OFF When You Buy Those Sale Items DIRECT From St. Croix Blades by emailing, texting, or calling (only if not purchasing the piece on eBay). Here's the link: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fss=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=stcroixblades&LH_SpecificSeller=1&LH_BIN=1&_sop=16 Email info@stcroixblades.com, or call/text 715-557-1688 to purchase. (Layaway available). --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades www.StCroixBlades.com

This menpo has a mustache, and cherry blossom chin vent. The inside of the mask is in red lacquer. CONDITION: This antique Menpo is in excellent condition. The silk lacing is in excellent condition. This is a fine piece. $1850 https://stcroixblades.com/product/antique-Japanese-samurai-menpo-armor-mempo-mask-old-sword-collection/ --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades

This beautiful kozuka depicts a hawk or falcon. This kozuka is signed. This kozuka has shakudo and gold work. This fine kozuka measures 3 15/16″ (9.9 cm) by just over 9/16″ wide (1.4 cm). CONDITION: This fine antique Japanese kozuka is in beautiful condition. $800 plus shipping (and Paypal/credit card if choosing to pay that way) --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades

A fine papered 16th Century Katana by (Heianjo) Nagamitsu. This Koto period sword would make an important addition to any collection. This katana is in excellent polish. It is accompanied by beautiful mounts. The fuchi and kurikata have a matching gold floral motif. The kashira is polished horn. The tsuba is very interesting–it is made of lacquered wood. The plugs in the hitsu-ana are fine textured gold. A complementing silk sageo is threaded through the kurikata. A wood tsunagi (with habaki) was made for the mounts. The blade is in a handsome shirasaya. The shirasaya is wrapped with bamboo accents. The blade measures 68 cm (26.8 in). The 2-piece habaki is wrapped in gold foil. This Koto period sword is accompanied by NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho papers. CONDITION: The blade is in excellent polish. The hamon and boshi are healthy. The koshirae is in exceptional condition. $6650 View additional photos by visiting http://StCroixBlades.com --Matthew Brice

St. Croix Blades has added new swords, tosogu, and armor to the site. https://stcroixblades.com/product-category/Japanese-swords/ Thank you. --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades 715-557-1688

SOLD

Sale PENDING

An important and exceedingly rare Japanese efu tachi made by Imperial Household Artisan Kanenori to commemorate the Ascension to the Throne of Emperor Taisho. This sword is dated August, 1912. Emperior Meiji passed away on July 29, 1912. Yoshihito, his son, ascended to the throne in August 1912. Emperor Yoshihito was later awarded the name Emperor Taisho, 123rd Emperor of Japan. Efu Coronation court tachi were made in very limited numbers–often just 12 were made. Another such example was returned by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan in 2016. It was presented to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. That sword was made for the ascension to the throne of Emperor Hirohito (Showa). A quick google search will bring up an article about that sword. This sword is signed ‘Teishitsugigeiin Sugawara Kanenori’ (Imperial Court/Household Artisan). The reverse is dated ‘An auspicious day in August, First Year of Taisho Era’ (1912). The nakago is also marked ’83 Okinasaku’–which refers to Kanenori’s age of 83 at the time he made this sword. The koshirae is adorned with the Go-shichi no Kiri (5-7-5) Paulownia crest. The blade nagasa is 63.8 cm. This fine Coronation tachi comes with shirasaya as well. Each piece (tachi and shirasaya) comes in a silk sword bag. CONDITION: This important and exceedingly rare Coronation tachi is in quite perfect condition. This sword was well cared for. SOLD --Matthew Brice StCroixBlades.com

25% off all Japanese swords and tosogu through Sunday. (with payment made by Paypal, Zelle, Venmo, Wise, bank transfer before midnight Sunday, September 14th). http://stcroixblades.com --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades

New swords just added. Click on the link to take a look: https://stcroixblades.com/product-category/Japanese-swords/ If you have any questions, need more photos, etc., just let me know. --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades