Tanto by one of the most famous makers from the mainline Bizen School. Tanto that are signed and dated are very rare from this time period, and this tanto with a date of 1319 is very rare. According to many books, there was not one, but two Bizen Motoshige. So in order to separate the two in discussions, the older Motoshige is known as Ko-Motoshige. His works are quite rare, the 2nd Motoshige however, leaves us with more examples. Ko Motoshige according to the book by Nagayama Kokan is considered rare, especially when compared to the number of works left by Kagemitsu, Kanemitsu and Chogi all from the mainline Osafune School. Works of Ko-Motoshige often vary in style, but examples such as this piece resemble that of Kagemitsu and Kanemitsu. This swordsmith is rated as a JoJo Saku (extremely Superior work).
Also only one of 14 smiths rated as Saijo Owazamono (Supreme Sharpness).
This tanto which is done in traditional hirazukuri shape, is very classic of Kamakura Bizen tanto works. This is the style of which they were famous for, when one reads about such makers in all of the books. The hamon is a very well done sugu gunome midare with very well done fine nie. Sunagashi and small kinsuji appear within the hamon. The nioi guchi is bright as it should be. The jigane is a well knit ko itame with some mokume. Nice chikei is seen along with ji nie. The utsuri is very prominent, sweeping up from the tops of the hamon in a style similar to that of O Kanemitsu. The utsuri is especially strong in the monouchi area and is quite enjoyable just like what one reads in the books.
The tang is slightly suriage, but still retains most of the signature and date. The shape is a very elegant style known as furisode, and is seen on Koto pieces of good or better quality. The blade is in a very high grade Japanese polish, and has a very nice top quality gold foiled 2 piece habaki. In new shirasaya. Bear in mind that many tanto from this time period are known to be on the smaller size in many cases, this was the style that was popular from the earlier Kamakura periods, and many smiths (even Kanemitsu) made this type.
This very important blade should be submitted to the NBTHK Juyo shinsa.
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