説明
Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Attributed to Kashu Sanekage with NBTHK
Tokubestsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Kashu Sanekage (加州真景), who was active in the mid – late Nanbokucho period (南北朝: 1362-1375). Kashu is the province’s name in Today’s Ishikawa prefecture, and it is also known as Kaga province. It is said that he learned the sword-forging techniques from Etchu Norishige (越中則重).
Kashu has been known for many renowned swordsmiths for a ling time. Although it was not clear when the sword-forging was begun there, it is said that Sanekage was the founder of sword-forging in Kashu.
When Sanekage was active in the Nanbokucho period, Japan was tumultuous because the imperial court was split into two sides(south and north). There were many conflicts, and many Samurai were deployed. And Sadatsuna must have dedicated himself to forging high-quality blades for those Samurai who fought in battles.
Also, you can see interesting Kissaki (tip of the blade) called
Shobu Zukuri (菖蒲造り)
. There is no Yokote on this blade. Yokote is the borderline between the tip and cutting edge. We are confident you will appreciate the elegant look of this blade.
Naginata Naoshi
This type of blade is called Naginata Naoshi (薙刀直し). Naginata is a traditional Japanese pole sword. According to the NBTHK authentication paper, this blade was originally Naginata and was shortened as a Tanto. Naginata was once a primary weapon, but this trend changed during the Samurai period. However, it kept its presence as a Tanto.
Naginata has a longer history than Katana has as a weapon. And, Naginata was highly valued among Samurai families because of its history, which led them to believe it was an excellent weapon. There is a saying in Japanese sword collectors about Naginata Naoshi. It goes, “Naginata Naoshi ni Namakura Nashi, ” roughly translated as Naginata Naoshi Katana, is never dull (always sharp).
Horimono (Engraving)
There is a Horimono (彫物: blade sculpture) on one side of this blade.
The Horimono is one of the elements of this blade’s beauty. This pattern is the Suken (素剣). It is a simplified design of the Sanko-Duka-Ken (三鈷柄剣), which is a sword that the Fudo Myo-O (不動明王: acalanātha, one of the objects of worship in Buddhism) brings. It is an esoteric Buddhist tool used for esoteric prayer, meditation, purification, and amulets. It is believed that this sword would exorcize evil spirits.
This blade 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 the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
29.1
cm ( 11.4
inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
0.3
cm (0.11 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 motif of this Fuchi Kashira is the cherry blossom (桜: Sakura).
Cherry blossom is one of the seasonal things of spring, and it has been loved for a long time in Japan. Its pattern is designed not only fo