説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Ryokai with NBTHK
Tokubetsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Ryokai (了戒) during the late Muromachi period. Ryokai was one of the most prosperous school in Bungo province (today’s Oita prefecture) during the period.
Ryokai School
Ryokai was a swordsmith from the late Kamakura period in Yamashiro Province(Today’s Kyoto). It is said that he was a son of Rai Kuniyuki (来国行) and a younger brother of Rai Kunitoshi (来国俊). Both of them are renowned swordsmiths throughout Samurai history.
Ryokai founded his own school, and the apprentices were allowed to use Ryokai in their maker’s names. Ryokai’s son was Ryokai Hisanobu, who took over the school. And his apprentice Ryokai Yoshisada also run the school after Hisanobu.
However, Ryokai Yoshisda had to evacuate Yamashiro province during the late 14th century because the battle between the south emperor court and the north emperor court became severe. And as a result, Kyoto city was burnt(the late 1300’s). We called it the Nanbokucho war when the Japanese imperial court was separated into two.
Ryokai Yoshisda managed to escape and arrive in Kyushu island at Tsukushi Province (Today’s Fukuoka prefecture), looking for better opportunities.
And, Yoshisada founded Tsukushi Ryokai school there. Among Japanese sword experts, Ryokai school in Tsukushi province is called Tsukushi Ryokai to distinguish it from the Ryokai school in Yamashiro province. Since the origin of this school came from Yamashiro province, the blades forged by the Tsukushi Ryokai school have characteristics of *Yamashiro Den tradition. Among Tsukushi Ryokai school, the swordsmiths were named with 能 (Yoshi) such as 勝能 (Katsuyoshi). According to its NBTHK appraisal, this blade was signed by a Tsukushi Ryokai.
Yamashiro Den
Yamashiro province was famous for its sword-making style called YAMASHIRO-DEN. YAMASHIRO-DEN’s origin dates back to the Heian period (794 A.D) when the capital city was moved from Nara to Kyoto. The swordsmiths in Yamashiro province initially prospered by forging swords for court nobles and imperial families. Later on, they also forged swords for feudal lords after Samurai military government took control of Japan. There are so many renowned swordsmiths from this region.
It is said that the founder of YAMASHIRO-DEN was Sanjo Munechika. And there were four prestigious main branches in this region. They are Sanjo, Rai, Nobukuni, and Awataguchi.
One of the characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane (steel surface pattern). This blade represents a great trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN.
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 are a few Kitae Kizu on this blade as well as light black rusts. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
39.1 cm ( 15.4 inches)
Curvature (Sori)
:
0.78 cm (0.31 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