説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Sueyuki with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to Joshu Sueyuki (城州末行), who was especially active during the late Kamakura period (
1293-1299
). Joshu is another name for Yamashiro province. He belonged to Ayanokoji school located in Yamashiro province (Today’s Kyoto prefecture).
Ayanokoji school was founded by Sadatoshi (定利) during the mid-Kamakura period (1264-1275). The school’s name came from the fact that Sadatoshi lived in Ayanokoji city. Sueyuki was one of the prominent figures among those who belonged to this school. He forged blades with *Yamashiro Den tradition, one of the five Japanese sword-forging techniques.
Yamashiro Den
Yamashiro province was famous for its sword-making style called YAMASHIRO-DEN. YAMASHIRO-DEN’s origin dates back to the Heian period(794 A.D) when the capital city was moved from Nara to Kyoto. The swordsmiths in Yamashiro province initially prospered by forging swords for court nobles and imperial families. Later on, they also forged swords for feudal lords after Samurai military government took control of Japan. There are so many renowned swordsmiths from this region.
It is said that the founder of YAMASHIRO-DEN was Sanjo Munechika. And there are four prestigious main branches in this region. They are Sanjo, Rai, Nobukuni, and Awataguchi. According to available records, Ayanokoji school had close ties with Sanjo branch.
One of the characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane (steel surface pattern). This blade represents a great trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN.
We see what appears to be a Homare Kizu (誉疵), which tells us that this blade was used in a battle. Homare means honorable, and Homare Kizu is considered a good blade characteristic that tells us its history.
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 this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
69.5 cm (27.3 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
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 Matsuba (松葉, pine needle) pattern is designed on this Fuchi Kashira. Golden paint (probably brass) is applied to these pine needles, and it makes an elegant color contrast of black and gold. There are also pine tree patterns, and both have been treated as auspicious motifs. Many Japanese people have admired the pine needle pattern because the roots of the two leaves are firmly connected and would not separate even if the leaves fall. Shoguns and Daimyos set their own patterns in the Edo period and called it the Sadame Mon (定め紋). Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (徳川 綱吉, 1680-1709), the 5th Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, used the Matsuba design for his Sadame Mon.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
Seeing from the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread, we estimate the motif of each Menuki is a bouquet. Each o
