説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Ichi (Hokke) with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade bears the signature “一” (Ichi), indicating it was forged by Hokke Ichijō (法華一乗), one of the most renowned swordsmiths of the prestigious Hokke school. The Hokke school flourished from the late Kamakura to the Nanbokuchō period (late 13th–14th century) and was based in the Ashida area of Bingo Province, in present-day Hiroshima Prefecture. Ichijō himself is believed to have been active in the early Muromachi period, specifically during the Ōei era (1394–1428). Signed blades from this period are relatively rare, which adds further historical significance to this piece.
It is said that those who lived in Ashida area were followers of the Nichiren sect, and Hokke swordsmiths often forged blades for the politically powerful Buddhist priests. They needed many weapons as there were many political rivalries between influential temples. They required strong weapons like swords to protect themselves. Hokke swordsmiths met their requests and made excellent quality blades.
It is believed that the school was founded by Kokubunji Sukekuni (国分寺助国) in the late Kamakura period (Approx. 1329). Sukekuni was originally from Bizen province (today’s Okayama prefecture) and belonged to Bizen Ichimonji school, one of the most prestigious schools during the Kamakura period. Sukekuni was the father of Mihara Masaie (三原正家). Masaie was the founder of Mihara school, another prestigious school in the region.
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 is a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
67.5 cm (26.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.8 cm (0.70 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.
This is a Fuchi-Kashira is also decorated with a Chinese-inspired design.
The Kashira (pommel cap) shows a figure of a man in flowing robes, seated in a relaxed posture beside what appears to be a bamboo fence or screen. His appearance resembles that of a Chinese scholar or sage.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The Menuki (ornamental hilt fittings) also feature a design inspired by Chinese motifs, consistent with the other sword fittings.
The figure depicted is a plump, cheerful man, most likely Budai (布袋, Hotei in Japanese). Hotei was originally a Chinese Zen monk, known for his large belly and joyful demeanor, and later became a symbol of contentment and good fortune.
In Japan, Hotei was incorporated into the group of deities known as the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神, Shichifukujin), where he is beloved as a bringer of happiness and prosperity. His presence on the sword fittings reflects not only the influence of Chinese culture but also the Japanese adaptation of these motifs into symbols of good luck and protection for the samurai who carri
