説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Nobutaka with NBTHK Hozon Certificate 【Description】 Summary This blade was signed by Hoki no Kami Fujiwara Nobutaka (伯耆守藤原信高). The swordsmith’s name “Nobutaka” lasted 6th generation during the Edo period. Hoki no Kami was an honorable title given to this swordsmith, and the 1st-5th generation received this title. It is said that Nobutaka was a descendant of Kanekuni, who belonged to Mino koku San-Ami school. We believe the attribution was given to the first-gen Nobutaka, who was especially active during 1596-1615 (Late Azuchi Momoyama- early Edo period). The first-gen Nobutaka was originally from Mino province, which is famous for Japanese sword tradition, MINO-DEN. The first-gen moved to Owari castle at the beginning of the Keicho era(the late 1590s). And he relocated to Nagoya after Nagoya castle was built. There were many swordsmiths from Mino province who moved to Owari province. They are called Owari Seki. The most famous swordsmiths categorized as Owari Seki are the first-gen Hoki no Kami Nobutaka, Hida no Kami Ujifusa, and Sagami no Kami Masatsune. All the highly refined sword-forging techniques the first-gen Nobutaka had passed down to the second-gen. As Owari province(today’s Aichi prefecture) was active in martial arts during the early Edo period, there was much demand among high-class Samurai to order swords forged by the second-gen Nobutaka. He often worked with his son(the third-gen Nobutaka), and there is some remaining work where both signatures are found. This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token (保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value. *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. 【Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 69.7 cm (27.5 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 1.06 cm (0.41 inches) Hamon : The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process Jimon(Jihada) : visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process Kissaki : Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword. Nakago : Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged. Koshirae : Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard). Fuchi-Kashira : A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt. The theme of this Fuchi-Kashira is the “Hanabishi-mon (花菱紋)”, a traditional Japanese family crest. This crest is based on a flower motif that was introduced to Japan from the continent around a thousand years ago. It was commonly used by aristocrats on Kimonos and furnishings. Notable samurai who used this crest include Katsu Kaishū (勝海舟) and Takeda Shingen (武田信玄). Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. The theme of this Menuki is a family crest featuring the paulownia motif known as “Maru ni Go-san Kiri (丸に五三の桐)”. This pattern was once used by the imperial family and people in authority at that time. Today, it is permitted to use by ordinary households and is appreciated as their family crests. According to a tradition, Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at the paulownia tree; therefore, it has come to be regarded as a holy plant. *Please keep in mind that the Tsuma Maki (thread on the handle) is relatively aged and you can see some discoloration. Tsuba and Habaki : Tsuba is the handguard for the Japane