説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Naka Kawachi with NBTHK
Tokubetsu Kicho
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to Naka Kawachi (中河内), a name referring to the second-generation Kunisuke, who was active in Osaka during the early Edo period (1658–1673).
Kunisuke was one of the most prominent swordsmiths in Osaka, and there were three generations in total. The second generation is known as “Nakagawachi” (literally “middle Kawachi”) because he belonged to the middle generation between the first and the third Kunisuke. “Kawachi” is derived from “Kawachi no Kami,” an honorary title granted to the swordsmith. He was particularly renowned for forging blades with the
Kobushi-chōji
hamon. “Kobushi” means “fist” in Japanese, and this tempering pattern is characterized by a series of rounded shapes resembling clenched fists aligned in succession.
The first-generation Kunisuke was born in Ise Province (present-day Mie Prefecture) and initially served Seki Kazumasa, the lord of Kameyama Castle. After the fall of the Seki clan, he moved to Kyoto, where he became a disciple of Horikawa Kunihiro, one of the most distinguished swordsmiths of the early Edo period. Following Kunihiro’s death, he further refined his skills under Echigo no Kami Kunitomo. In 1630 (the 7th year of Kan’ei), he moved to Osaka together with Izumi no Kami Kunisada and established himself as an independent swordsmith. He is considered to have played a key role in the development of the Osaka Shintō tradition, and his exceptional craftsmanship was successfully passed down to the second-generation Kunisuke.
Osaka Shinto
The blades forged by the second-gen Kunisuke are categorized as Osaka Shinto. Shinto is Japanese Sword terminology that refers to the swords forged during 1596-1781. The blades made in the Osaka area during this period are called Osaka Shinto. There are many famous swordsmiths in this Osaka Shinto era. After Hideyoshi Toyotomi built Osaka castle, Osaka city flourished as a castle town and became the business center. Many swordsmiths moved to Osaka to look for better opportunities. They not only forged swords for those Samurai who lived in Osaka but also for feudal lords nationwide. Ikanshi Tadatsuna (Awataguchi Omi no Kami Tadatsuna), Inoue Shinkai, and Tsuda Sukehiro are the most famous among many swordsmiths.
One of the most notable characteristics of Osaka Shinto is its beauty in Jigane. Jigane is a visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during the forging process), which made it possible by the location of Osaka. Osaka had close access to the Tamahagane (special carbon steel to make Japanese swords) production sites. The swordsmiths residing in Osaka were able to get high-quality carbon steel from these sites.
*Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on the Mune. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
73.9 cm (29.0 inches)
Curvature (Sori)
:
2.1 cm (0.82 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 this sword mounting is Kassen-zu (合戦図, “battle scene design”), vividly depicting armored samurai engaged in fierce combat. The detailed yet dynamic carvings convey a strong sense of