説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Kouda with NBTHK
Tokubestsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to the work of Uda school by NBTHK, which authenticated this blade. While the certificate doesn’t mention when it was forged, NBTHK appraises it was made in the Kamakura-Nanbokucho period (Approx. 1299 – 1393). We made a phone call to NBTHK to confirm it.
Uda is a prestigious school that flourished during the Nanbokuchoto-mid Muromachi period(approx. 1334-1491). It was founded by Kunimitsu(国光) in the late Kamakura period. The school was located in Etchu province in Toyama prefecture today. Kunimitsu was originally from Yamato Uda Gun(大和宇多郡), located in Nara prefecture but moved to Etchu in the late Kamakura period(1299-1333) with his apprentices including Kunifusa(国房), and Kunimune(国宗).
Uda school was famous for producing practically designed blades, which were desirable during Nanbokucho- Muromachi period. Among other schools in the Hokuriku region(the northwestern part of Honshu), Uda school was the most prominent school.
When the Uda school flourished in the Nanbokucho period, Japan had a tumultuous time because the imperial court was split into two sides(south and north). There were so many conflicts, and many Samurai were deployed. The trend in battlefields was to use a surprisingly long sword. This trend continued until the early-mid Muromachi period. This blade doesn’t look long now, but we assume it used to be quite a long sword based on the tang’s shape, meaning it was shortened a few times in the past.
There are two categories in the work of Uda school. One is called Ko Uda(Old Uda), and the other is called Uda. Ko Uda swords were forged during the late Kamakura period to the Nanbokucho period. Uda blades were forged during the Muromachi period. This blade is categorized as a Ko-Uda blade.
This blade is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Touken
(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.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
66.5 cm (26.2 inches)
Curvature (Sori)
:
1.7 cm (0.67 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.
This Fuchi Kashira has an elegant look. The same family crest is designed on each Fuchi part and Kashira part. And the Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) pattern surrounds the crests. The family crest designed on this Fuchi Kashira is a kind of Ken Katabami (剣片喰) design called the Sumiiri Kakuni Ken Katabami (隅入り角に剣片喰). The Katabami (片喰) is a plant whose leaf has a heart mark shape. People thought this plant design represented the prosperity of descendants; therefore, many Samurai cherished this pattern. In addition, this plant was favored for its strong vitality that did not wither even when trampled as a weed. The Ken Katabami is a combination of swords and Katabami leaves. It is said that people have associated with the Samurai by incorporating the sword motif. Understandably, lots of Samurai families used the Ken Katabami pattern. It shows the relationship between this plant motif and the Samurai culture.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Ja