日本刀 刀 銘 播磨大掾藤原重高 日本美術刀剣保存協会 特別保存刀剣鑑定書付

附属品

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting (Decorative Sword Mountings), Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category

Katana (SHINTO)

Age

Early Edo period (early-late 17th century)

Location

Echizen province (Today’s Fukui prefecture)

登録証

Ibaraki 15723

販売店の記載のまま

This blade was signed Echizen-jū Harima Daijō Fujiwara Shigetaka (越前住播磨大掾藤原重高). “Echizen-jū” indicates that the smith resided in Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture), while “Harima Daijō” is an honorary court title granted in recognition of exceptional craftsmanship. It was common for Japanese swordsmiths to include both their place of residence and official title in their signatures. The name Shigetaka (重高) was passed down through 11 generations until the end of the Edo period (late 19th century) and represents one of the most prominent swordsmith lineages in Echizen. Among these, only the first and second generations used the clan name “Fujiwara (藤原)” in their signatures, and both are known to have held the title Harima Daijō (播磨大掾). Based on these characteristics, this blade is attributed to either the first or second generation Shigetaka. The first generation was active around 1600–1624, and the second generation from 1624–1661. The third generation (1661–1681) is also highly regarded and considered comparable in skill to the earlier masters. The first-generation Shigetaka is said to have been born in the Shinshū region (present-day Nagano Prefecture). He later moved to Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture), one of Japan’s major sword-producing centers, where he trained under Kanenori (兼則), a highly respected swordsmith. Toward the end of the Muromachi period (late 16th century), Shigetaka and his master relocated to Echizen Province. From that time onward, successive generations of the Shigetaka lineage remained in Echizen, producing high-quality blades under the patronage of the Matsudaira clan, the ruling family of the region. Echizen Province was prosperous during the Edo period, being ruled by the Echizen Matsudaira clan, a direct retainer of Tokugawa clan who ruled the Edo government. Many skilled swordsmiths from different regions moved to Echizen because of the high demand among the Samurai. Many renowned swordsmiths, such as the first-gen Shigetaka, were originally from the Mino province (Gifu prefecture). They are called Echizen Seki swordsmiths. 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). *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and small rust on this blade. Fuchi-Kashira This fuchi-kashira is decorated with chrysanthemum crests (kikka-mon, 菊花紋) and the Go-shichi no Kiri (五七の桐) motif, both of which have long been associated in Japan with nobility, authority, and auspicious symbolism. The chrysanthemum crest is closely linked to the Imperial family, while the paulownia motif has historically been used by the Imperial court and later by powerful political and military leaders. Together, these motifs lend the piece a dignified and prestigious character. The Go-shichi no Kiri motif—literally “five-seven-five,” referring to the arrangement of its paulownia flowers—appears in several variations. Designs with fewer flowers were more commonly used by the general public, whereas those with a greater number of blossoms were associated with higher rank and prestige. According to tradition, the hōō (鳳凰, Fenghuang), a mythical phoenix-like creature, is said to rest only upon the paulownia tree, further reinforcing its status as a sacred and noble symbol. Tsuka and Menuki The theme of the Menuki is Karajishi (唐獅子, lion). The Shishi (獅子) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (唐, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (文殊菩薩, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (狛犬, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times. Tsuba and Habaki This tsuba is made of iron and formed in a circular shape, featuring a design of chrysanthemum petals radiating outward. The chrysanthemum (菊, kiku) has long been regarded as a symbol of longevity and vitality. In ancient China, it was believed to possess medicinal properties that could promote a long life, and this concept was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710–794). Since then, the chrysanthemum has been deeply appreciated as one of the flowers representing autumn. Its radially arranged petals have often been likened to the sun, reinforcing its association with eternal youth, longevity, and good health. The chrysanthemum crest, known as Kiku no Gomon (菊の御紋), has historically been used by the Emperor and the Imperial family, and is therefore recognized as a highly prestigious and noble motif. From the Kamakura period (1185–1333) through the Warring States period (1467–1615), this crest was sometimes bestowed by the Emperor upon warlords in recognition of their distinguished service. For example, Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358), the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, is said to have been granted the chrysanthemum crest for his role in overthrowing the Kamakura shogunate in cooperation with Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339). Similarly, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598) is also believed to have been granted the chrysanthemum crest by Emperor Go-Yōzei. Receiving such a crest was considered an extraordinary honor, as the Emperor was revered as a divine figure, and this association underscores the deep connection between the chrysanthemum motif and samurai culture. ※ Please note that the surface of this Habaki has some minor damage. Saya This Saya is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes. ※ Please note that the surface of this Saya has some minor damage. Authentication Paper They authenticated the blade on May 28th in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society.