説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Katsuie with NBTHK Hozon Token & Hozon Tosogu Certificate 【Description】 This blade is attributed to Kashu Katsuie (加州勝家). Kashu is another name of Kaga province (today’s Ishikawa prefecture), and it means that he resided in this area when he forged this blade. The swordsmith name “Katsuie” (勝家) lasted several generations from the middle of the Muromachi period to the early Edo period (1450s-1650s), and we believe the attribution was given to a late generation Katsuie in the late Murimachi period (the late 15th – mid 16th century). The first generation Katsuie was originally from Mino province, famous for the sword-forging tradition called MINO-DEN (美濃伝). He and his apprentices moved to Kaga Koku (today’s Ishikawa prefecture) in the middle of the Muromachi period (1450’s). They founded a Darani (陀羅尼) school after being hired by the monks who lived there. However, from the second generation, Katsuie served the famous feudal clan, Maeda clan, forging swords for famous Samurais. It was honorable for any swordsmiths to serve a feudal clan exclusively. This blade might have been made in the middle of Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period) when there was so much rivalry between warlords trying to gain political power nationwide. It would be nice to have a piece that survived through this period. Maeda Clan Maeda clan was originally a retainer of Oda family, who ruled Owari province (today’s Nagoya area in Aichi prefecture). The first head of the Maeda clan was Toshie Maeda. He climbed the social ladder of Samurai society and became the feudal lord of Kaga province (today’s Ishikawa prefecture). He had a vast rice fief that fed 1 million grown-up adults, which is called Hyakuman Goku. The Maeda clan was one of the most influential families in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi. 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 few Kitae Kizu on blade and a tiny chip on the tip of the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. 【Blade】 Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa) : 70.3 cm (27.6 inches) Curvature (Sori) : 1.5 cm (0.59 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 theme of this Fuchi Kashira is Nami Zu (波図). Nami means waves. It seems the sea spray is painted gold. As waves’ movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up. Thanks to its dynamic design, this motif has been appreciated, especially for men’s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume). Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. The theme of this Menuki is Matsu Kai Zu (松貝図