説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Dotanuki Kasakuni with NBTHK
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Dotanuki Masakuni (同田貫正国), who was active during the Tesho era (1573-1592: Azuchi Momoyama period) in Higo domain (Today’s Kumamoto prefecture). Dotanuki is a school founded by Masakuni. He served Kato Kiyomasa (加藤清正), who ruled Higo domain as a feudal lord.
It is said that Masakuni was a descendant of the Enjyu school that had forged blades for the Kikuchi family and flourished during the late Kamakura period-Nanbokucho period (Late 13th-Early 14th century). Kikuchi clan ruled the Higo domain for a long time, but the clan left the place at the end of the Muromachi period (late 15th-early 16th century). The influence of Enjyu school diminished. Eventually, the Fujiwara Kunikatsu and Nobuyoshi brothers, who belonged to a branch of the Enjyu school, revitalized the school by moving to a place called Dotanuki and forged blades. Their craftsmanship was acknowledged by Kato Kiyomasa, one of the most powerful feudal lords during the Warring State period. They received one letter from their lord Kiyomasa (Kiyo and Masa). Nobuyoshi changed his name to Masakuni (正国), and his older brother changed his name to Kiyokuni (清国). Masakuni founded the Dotakuni school under the auspice of the Kato clan.
It is said that those who saw the swords made by Dotanuki were astonished by the tremendous cutting ability at that time, and the swords were very popular. The swords made by Dotanuki have been considered as the strongest swords for actual battle.
During the active period of the ninth-gen Masakatsu, tenth- gen Munehiro, and the eleventh-gen Muneharu, the Dotanuki school is said to have flourished again as Shin Shin-To Dotanuki: Shin Shin To means the Japanese swords made after the late Edo period.
This blade is appraised as a
Hozon Touken
(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 on the the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
72.5 cm (28.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.6 cm (0.62 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.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of this Menuki is Japanese apricot blossoms (梅, Ume).
Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree so that people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.
Tsuba and Habaki
:
Tsuba is the handguard for the Japanese Sword and Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It
