説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Sadamori with NBTHK
Tokubetsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Reizen Sadamori, who was active during 1345-1362 (the Nanbokucho period). He belonged to Kongo Hyoue (金剛兵衛), which was a prestigious school founded by Kongo Hyoue Morikuni during the late Kamakura period (around 1278) in Chikuzen province (Today’s Fukuoka prefecture). It is believed that he used Reizen (冷泉) as his title because he lived in Hakata city (博多), which is also known as Reizentsu (冷泉津). It is said that many swordsmiths established their forgeing sites there to serve the Samurais who protected Japan, since Hakata was a major city close to Dazaifu (大宰府), the largest trading hub with the continent in Japan at that time.
It is said that Kongo Hyoue had strong relationship with Sairen school, one of the most well-known schools in the region. There were quite a few renowned swordsmiths who were from this school. They resided in Urayama, where Kamado shrine, also known as Kongo Houman, was located. All the swordsmiths who belonged to Kongo Hyoue school used Mori (盛) as their maker’s name, such as Sadamori. The Nakago (tang) they created has a distinctive shape called Sotoba (卒塔婆) while this blade doesn’t have this characteristic due to Suriage (shorting the blade).
Kongo Hyoue has a strong relationship with Buddhism, as well. Those who belonged to Kongo Hyoue school exclusively forged swords for Reizan Houman Zan, a politically and militarily strong Buddhist organization at one point.
When Sadamoari was active, Japan was tumultuous because the imperial court was split into two sides (south and north). There were many conflicts, and many Samurai were deployed. And Kongo Hyoue school must have dedicated themselves to forging high-quality blades for those Samurai who fought in battles.
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 few Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
68.0 cm (26.7 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.
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.
The motif of this Fuchi-Kashira is a maple (紅葉, momiji). According to a theory, this plant motif represents longevity. Maple leaves change their colors from green to yellow, orange, or red. The fall foliage is one of the charms of autumn. Due to this behavior of the color, this design represents someone who knows how to get along in the world and be happy. The pattern that depicts maple leaves run into the water is called Ryusui Momiji Mon (流水紅葉文).
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of this Menuki is a lion (獅子). Although lions did not exist in Japan at that time, their design was brought from Iran through Tang dynasty China (618-907) as a mythical creature. In Iran, lions were symbols of the sun and power, wh