説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Norishige with NBTHK
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Norishige (則重), who was active in 1308-1329 (the late Kamakura period) in Etchu province (today’s Toyama prefecture). It is said that his master was Shintogo Kunimitsu (新藤五国光) or Soshu Masamune (相州正宗). Kunimitsu made the foundation of SOSHU DEN, one of the five traditions of Japanese sword forging, and Masamune completed it. Also, Masamune is arguably one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history. Norishige learned the sword-forging technique in Soshu, another name of Sagami province (today’s Kanagawa prefecture), and later moved to Etchu province. Norishige was also said to be one the most representative swordsmiths of SOSHU DEN and his blades have been highly appreciated for his high quality forging skill and unique appearances.
SOSHU DEN
Shoshu Den was born in the middle of the Kamakura period. Back then, the Yamato and Yamashiro traditions were highly developed, and there were a few renowned swordsmiths from those regions. However, the sword-forging practice was in its infancy in the Kanto area, where the Soshu region was located.
At the beginning of the Kamakura government, which was established in 1185, the first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo, prioritized making a lot of rules to have its political stability. And he couldn’t afford to hire swordsmiths within the same region or train them. Therefore, the Kamakura government originally ordered weapons to the swordsmiths in the other areas, such as Yamato and Yamashiro.
But, since the government was established, the demand for weapons increased exponentially in the government, and they had to figure out how to meet those demands from Samurai who served Kamakura shogunate. Then, the 5th head of the Shogun, Hojo Tokiyori, invited two renowned swordsmiths from other parts of Japan. They were Awataguchi Kunitsuna from Yamashiro province and Bizen Saburo Kunimune from Bizen province. And the 7th-gen Shogun Koreyasu Shino also invited Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane from Bizen province.
It is said that those three swordsmiths played an essential role in creating the Soshu Den and making the foundation of the Soshu Den. Also another famous figure in the Soshu den is Intou Kunimitsu, an adopted son of Awataguchi Knitsuna. And Kunimitsu passed his excellent craftsmanship to Yukimitsu, his apprentice. And Masamune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history, was an apprentice of Yukimitsu. And Masamune was the one that brought Shoshuden to nationwide fame. The tradition Masamune completed became an example of other swordsmiths who learned Soshu Den. Also, Soshu Den influenced many renowned swordsmiths during the Koto- Shinto era. One of examples is Inoue Shinkai from Osaka and Suishinshi Masahide from Edo.
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 is a couple of noticeable Kitae Kizu on blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
67.6 cm (26.6 inches)
Curvature (Sori)
:
2.0
cm (0.78 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 severa
