説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Fukuoka Ichimonji with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Ichmonji (一文字) by NBTHK, which appraised it as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token. Ichimonji is one of the most influential schools. There are a few branches that include Ichimonji in their names. They are Fukuoka Ichimonji, Yoshioka Ichimonji, Kataoka Ichimonji and Shochu Ichimonji. Overall, more than 200 swordsmiths were categorized as members of the Ichimonji school. This fact indicates how acknowledged the schools were. We called NBTHK and confirmed that the attribution for this blade was given to Fukuoka Ichimonji school, the first Ichimonji school ever created.
Fukuoka Ichimonji school was prosperous during the mid-Kamakura period (mid-13th century). They signed “一” (Ichi: one in Japanese) on the tang, which is the reason why they are called Ichi Monji (One Letter).
It is said that Fukuoka Ichimonji school was founded by Norimune (則宗)in Fukuoka village in Bizen province (today’s Okayama prefecture). Many renowned swordsmiths belonged to Fukuoka Ichimonji school, including Nobufusa (信房), Muneyoshi (宗吉), Sukemune (助宗).
Seven swordsmiths from Fukuoka Ichimichi school were selected as Gobankaji (御番鍛冶). Gobankaji is a unique system created by the retired emperor Go-Toba (後鳥羽上皇), who was enthusiastic about the preservation and development of the Japanese sword forging. He summoned thirteen of the finest swordsmiths nationwide, and one swordsmith forged a blade for the emperor each month. This fact indicates that Fukuoka Ichimonji School was highly acknowledged during that time. Norimune, the founder of Fukuoka Ichimonji school, was one of Gobankaji. Even today, 15 blades made by Fukuoka Ichimonji swordsmiths are designated as national treasures of Japan. And 7 of them are classified as Important Cultural Property.
BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century ). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. One of the most prominent figures in Ko-Bizen swordsmiths is Masatsune (正恒), who is said to be the father of Norimune (則宗), the founder of Fukuoka Ichimonji school. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Fukuoka Ichimonji school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period.
One of the most distinctive features of Fukuoka Ichimonji school is Choji Midare Hamon, which is an irregular, wavy tempering line. Because of their elegant design, the swords forged by members of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school were appreciated by high-ranking samurai.
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 the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
65.2 cm (25.6 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.1 cm (0.43 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