説明

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Sukesada with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade bears the signature “Bizen no kuni ju Osafune Shichibe no jo Sukesada” (備前国住長船七兵衛尉祐定) on one side, and the date “Meireki 3rd year, 8th month” (1657) on the other. It was forged by Shichibe no jo Sukesada, a prominent swordsmith of the Bizen Osafune Sukesada lineage in Okayama prefecture. The Sukesada school was one of the most celebrated and productive branches within the Osafune tradition, which itself was the largest and most prosperous school in Bizen province. Over centuries, many generations of Sukesada swordsmiths produced blades in a variety of styles, responding to both battlefield demands and peacetime ceremonial needs. At one point, around sixty swordsmiths were using the name “Sukesada,” making it a well-known and trusted brand among samurai across Japan. Shichibe no jo Sukesada was the eldest son of Yokoyama Tōshirō Sukesada, a famed swordsmith of the late Muromachi to early Edo period. He was also the father of Yokoyama Ueno Daijō Sukesada and proudly called himself the grandson of the fourth-generation master Yosōzaemon-jō Sukesada. Shichibe-jō forged blades well into old age—reportedly living to 98—and left behind numerous fine works that are prized by collectors today. This History of Bizen Osafune School The Bizen Osafune school traces its roots back to the mid-Kamakura period and its founder Mitsutada (光忠). Over time, the school produced many legendary smiths, including Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu—collectively known as the Osafune Sansaku (“Three Great Masters of Osafune”)—as well as the so-called Osafune Shitennō (“Four Heavenly Kings of Osafune”): Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige. Bizen’s geographical advantages—rich iron sand deposits from the Chūgoku Mountains, abundant water from the Yoshii River, and plentiful high-quality charcoal—made it an ideal center for sword-forging. This environment enabled the creation of Bizen-den, one of the five great traditions (Gokaden) of Japanese sword-making, known for its beauty, durability, and excellent cutting ability. Many Bizen blades, including works by the Sukesada school, were carried into battle during the Sengoku (“Warring States”) period and are today regarded as both artistic and historical treasures. It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (特別保存刀剣) 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 is 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) : 59.6 cm (23.4 inches) Curvature (Sori) : 0.6 cm (0.23 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 Hatou Zu (波涛図), which depicts large undulating and splashing waves. A s waves’ movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and ter