日本刀 刀 銘 直正（NBTHK 保存刀剣鑑定書付）

附属品

NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category

Katana (SHIN SHIN TO)

Age

August 1868, the end of the Edo period

Location

Unknown

登録証

Yamagata 38221

販売店の記載のまま

This blade was signed by Naomasa (直正) and dated August 1868. According to the NBTHK authentication papers, the place of creation is unknown. Nonetheless, you can see great craftsmanship from the end of the Edo period. The year 1868 (Keiō 4 / Meiji 1), when this blade was forged, was a pivotal moment in Japanese history. With the proclamation of the restoration of imperial rule (王政復古の大号令, Ōsei Fukko no Daigōrei), the Tokugawa shogunate was abolished, and with the surrender of Edo Castle, the shogunate effectively came to an end. This was a time of great upheaval, marking the transition from the age of the samurai to the dawn of modern Japan. Background – Late Edo Period The Bakumatsu period (幕末) marks the final phase of Japan’s Edo period, spanning roughly from 1853 to 1868. It began with the arrival of American ships led by Commodore Matthew Perry, which prompted Japan to open its ports to international trade. This event became a major turning point in Japanese history, as exposure to Western technology and ideas led many to reconsider the country’s future. During this time, political tensions grew between those who supported the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those who advocated for modernization and the restoration of power to the Emperor. These conflicts ultimately led to the collapse of the samurai-led government. Samurai played a central role during the Bakumatsu period. Their swords, known as katana, were not only weapons but also powerful symbols of their identity, values, and way of life. However, as Japan modernized and adopted Western military systems and firearms, swords gradually lost their practical role on the battlefield. It 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). *Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on the Mune (backbone) of the blade. Koshirae *While this blade was made during the end of the Edo period, we assume its overall Koshirae was made later than this time period. Fuchi-Kashira This fuchi-kashira is adorned with gold, enhancing its elegant appearance. Tsuka and Menuki The motif of this Menuki is Kurikara-ken (倶利伽羅剣, Kurikara sword). The Kurikara-ken (Sword entwined by a dragon) is the sword held by Fudō Myō-ō in his right hand. A flaming dragon known as Kurikara Ryū-ō (倶利伽羅竜王) coils around the blade, symbolizing the “Sword of Wisdom” that cuts through ignorance, evil, and worldly desires. In esoteric Buddhism, this sacred sword is believed to possess the power to purify the spirit and ward off evil forces. Tsuba and Habaki This Tsuba is in a Yotsu-Mokko gata shape (四ツ木瓜形), meaning a four-lobbed form that resembles a stylized gourd. It is made using the Sukashi-bori (透かし彫り), a type of openwork carving where parts of the metal are carefully cut out to create the design. Saya The saya appears to be made in the kairagi samegawa togidashi-zaya style(梅花皮鮫皮研出鞘), which involves wrapping the scabbard with the skin of a kairagi-zame (a type of shark known for its distinctive bumpy texture). After applying lacquer over the sharkskin, the surface is polished to reveal the unique pattern beneath. This technique highlights both the natural texture of the skin and the refined craftsmanship involved. Authentication Paper They authenticated the blade on August 17th in the 27th year of Heisei (2015). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society.

（翻訳なし）