説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kanesada with
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Kanesada (兼定). According to NBTHK, it was appraised as a later-gen Kanesada during the late Muromachi period (mid-late 16th century). We called NBTHK to confirm this information while the certificate doesn’t mention its age, and the Kane part isn’t legible on the tang.
It is said that the first-gen Kanesada, who was active during the early Muromachi period (Late 14th century), was the son of Sanami Kanenori in Seki city, Mino province (Gifu prefecture). And, the second-gen Kanesada was one of the most famous Japanese swordsmiths in Seki-city alongside Kanemoto Magoroku (兼元孫六). The swordsmith name Kanesada lasted a few generations in Mino, and later on, the school moved to the Aizu domain (Fukushima Prefecture).
Those who forged during the late Muromachi period are called Sue-Seki, and Kanesada is categorized as one of the Sue-Seki swordsmiths. The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI(Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon )in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late KAMAKURA period(1280-1330). It flourished in the MUROMACHI period(1333-1573) and continued until the EDO period(was1603-1868).
Due to the high demand for weapons, MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai(Warring State period). And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Furthermore, many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area.
Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had the reputation of their practical design and sharpness.
This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(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 with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of visible Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detail condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
70.6 cm(27.8 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
2.21 cm( 0.87 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.
Waves are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. As these waves are engraved semi-three-dimensionally, this work has a dynamic look. Waves’ movements continue endlessly so that 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.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
We estimate the dragon is the motif of this Menuki. Initially, the dragon is an imagina