説明

Modern Japanese Sword Gendaito Katana Attributed to Kanemasa with NTHK Certificate 【Description】 Summary This blade is attributed to Noshu Seki ju Kanemasa (濃州関住兼正), whose real name is Ono Masami (大野正巳) and one of the most famous swordsmiths using the most difficult sword forging technique called the Shihozume-gitae (四方詰鍛え). He was born in 1923 and active during the early Showa era (Early 20th century) in Gifu prefecture. Also, his excellent sword forging skill was designated as the Important intangible cultural property of Japan in the Gifu Prefecture in 1997. About Modern Swordsmith There are around 150-200 registered swordsmiths in Japan today. To legally produce Japanese swords, one needs to pass the national exam given by the Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunka-Cho) and receive the license. Before taking the exam, one must finish his or her apprenticeship under a licensed master for more than five years. Those who practice Iaido(居合道) tend to use those modern swords, and there are modern Japanese sword collectors nationwide. The modern Japanese sword makers are researching old ways to forge swords and trying to recreate ancient-style swords. They are the ones who keep the tradition of Japanese history alive. *Please keep in mind that there are couple of Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 66.4 cm (26.1 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 0.9 cm (0.35 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 handle is covered with stingray skin to reinforce the handle and not slip when its owner holds it. The black lacquered skin includes the handle. If you focus on Menuki, you will see golden motifs. It is a family crest called the Idutsu (井筒). The Idutsu (井筒) crest is a family crest with a well motif. Generally, the well-shaped wooden structure surrounding the above-ground part of the well is called the Igeta (井桁), and the circular one is called the Izutsu. In the family crests, the square one is called the Izutsu. A well is a crucial place filled with water and should not be polluted. In other words, it is thought that it came to be used as a family crest because it is indispensable for life. A theory says the simplicity of this motif was favored among Samurai families. 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 prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped. This Tsuba is categoraized as the Wan-gata Tsuba (椀形鍔), whose shape is similar to a Japanese traditional bowl called the Wan (椀). This type of Tsuba is made by hammering out from the back side to give it a saucer-like bulge, similar to a bowl. Saya : Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword. Authentication Paper : NTHK Kateisho Certificate for the blade NTHK , also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1910 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on M