説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Den Shizu with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to a Den Shizu (伝志津) during the Nanbokucho Period (14th century). Shizu is the name of the school and one of the most prominent figures is Shizu Saburo Kaneuji. As one of the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune, Kaneuji made significant contributions to the development of the Mino-Den. Originally from the Tegai school in Yamato Province (now Nara Prefecture), he initially went by the name Kaneuji. After studying under Masamune and mastering the Soshu tradition, he relocated to Shizu in Mino Province (now Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture) and changed his name to Shizu Saburo Kaneuji.
“Shizu” refers to the collective name for the swordsmiths from the Naoe village in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture, and by extension, the Japanese blades forged there. Although it is included in the Mino-Den, its style is a blend of the Yamato and Soshu traditions, making it a true precursor to the Mino-Den. Originally, Shizu was a place name in Mino Province, but it became associated with the swordsmith Kaneuji, who came to the region from the school of Masamune. Hence, the term “Shizu” often specifically refers to Kaneuji. He is counted among the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune and is one of the swordsmiths whose style is closest to that of Masamune. The style of the Shizu-Den combines elements of the Yamato and Soshu-Den, representing a source of the Mino-Den.
The Shizu school refers to the school founded by Kaneuji and his descendants or disciples. The group that moved to Naoe (now in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture), including figures such as Kanetsugu and Kanetomo, is called “Naoe Shizu.”
History of Mino-Den
The Mino-Den is the most recent of the five major sword traditions and flourished in what is now the southern part of Gifu Prefecture. It was developed by Kanemichi, who came from the Yamato school’s Tegai-ha and learned the Soshu tradition, and by Kanenori from Echizen Province (now in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture), who was also among the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune. They moved to Mino Province and completed a sword style combining elements of the Yamato and Soshu traditions. The Mino-Den developed and thrived from the Nanbokucho(1336-1392) to the Sengoku periods (1467-1568).
Mino Province was a key transportation hub connecting Kyoto with the Kansai region and the Kanto region. Additionally, powerful warlords and their retainers, such as Akechi Mitsuhide from Mino Province, Oda Nobunaga from Owari Province (now the western part of Aichi Prefecture), and Tokugawa Ieyasu from Mikawa Province (now the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture), resided in the area. Many of these figures were patrons of Mino swords, contributing to its prosperity. The Mino swords were prized for their cutting ability and suitability for battle, making them well-suited to the tastes of Sengoku-era warlords.
In 1590 (Tensho 18), a major flood of the Yoshii River devastated the previously flourishing Bizen tradition. Consequently, the Mino tradition became a major producer of Japanese swords, meeting national demand and continuing its prosperity until the end of the Edo period.
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). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
65.6 cm (25.8 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.3 cm (0.51 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.
Nak
