説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to
Keishinsai Naomasa
with
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Keishinsai Naomasa (慶心斎直正).
Naomasa was a domain-appointed swordsmith of the Sōma Nakamura domain in Mutsu Province (present-day Fukushima Prefecture), active from the late Edo period into the early Meiji period. He was a student of Taikei Naotane, one of the great masters of the Shinshintō period, and is regarded as a skilled and accomplished smith. His works are known to date from the Kaei era (1848–1854) through the early Meiji period. It is recorded that he passed away on November 24, 1879.
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 intensified between those who supported the 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 this 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.
This blade 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). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and tiny chip of the tip on the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
66.4 cm (26.14 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.2 cm (0.47 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.
This Fuchi-Kashira 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.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
We assume that the motif of this menuki represents horse equipment. In particular, it appears to depict a kura (鞍, saddle), which is placed on a horse’s back to allow the rider to sit securely. This item is typically used together with an abumi (鐙, stirrup), a type of riding gear that hangs on the sides of the horse and supports the rider’s feet while riding.
Horses have been around human life for a long time, not only as our food but also for transportation or ca
