説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Kashu Kagemitsu with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to the work of Kashu Kagemitsu(加州景光). The smith’s name Kagemitsu lasted a few generations from the mid-Nanbokucho period-early Edo period (1356-1673). Based on the characteristic of this blade, we believe the attribution was given to one of Kagemitsu during the late Muromachi period (late 15th-early 16th century).
The first-gen Kashu Kagemitsu is said to have been an apprentice of Fujishima Tomoshige. Kagemitsu’s father was Masakage(正景), who had been active in sword-forging during the mid-late Nonbokucho period. This blade was created in the middle of Sengoku Jidai(warring state period: late 15th -late 16th century). During this time, there was so much rivalry among strong feudal lords over lands, political power, and natural resources. We believe Kagemitsu forged swords for those strong Samurais.
The generations of Kagemitsu were considered noble swordsmiths. It is said that Hojyo Ujiteru sent a sword forged by one of Kagekatsu to Date Masamune as a present. Both of them are famous warlords from the Sengoku period(warring state period). This story tells us how reputable Kagemitsu was as a swordsmith during that time.
Tachi and Tachi Koshirae
Based on the authentication paper, this blade was made as a Tachi (太刀). Its cutting edge is 84.4 cm with 3 cm curvature. And, it is stored in Tachi(太刀) Koshirae. Tachi was mainly used by an armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the early Muromachi period. TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that you could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground. Because of its gorgeous looking, having a Tachi-style sword mounting became a social status among Samurai.
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 couple of noticeable Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
84.4 cm (33.2 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
3.0
cm (1.18 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).
The overall theme of the sword mounting is Kasakusa (唐草:Arabesque). Arabesque is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; “Man.” There is a word 万 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (帯, belt). The word “帯” can also be read “Tai.” Due to its pronunciation, the term “代 (Tai)” is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom 万代 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fit
![刀 無銘 ( 加州家次 時代室町前期 ) 保存刀剣鑑定書 katana ( No signature )( Kasyu Ietsugu ) [ NBTHK : Hozon ]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fitbhfhyptogxcjbjfzwx.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Flisting-images%2Ftoyuukai%2FL398857%2F00.jpg&w=2560&q=90)
![刀 無銘(加州景光)保存刀剣鑑定書 Katana No signature (Kasyu Kagemitsu) [ NBTHK : Hozon ]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fitbhfhyptogxcjbjfzwx.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Flisting-images%2Ftoyuukai%2FL398627%2F00.jpg&w=2560&q=90)
