説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kiyomitsu with Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade was signed by Kiyomitsu (清光) in Kashu province (also known as Kaga domain), according to NBTHK’s appraisal. We called NBTHK, and they informed us that they appraised it as a work of Kiyomitsu during the late Muromachi period when Japan was in the warring state period (Sengoku Jidai). It is said that the swordsmith’s name Kiyomitsu lasted 12 generations from the mid-Muromachi period to the end of the Edo period (1444-1868). Kiyomitsu is one of the most famous maker’s names in the Kaga domain (today’s Ishikawa prefecture) and belonged to Fujishima school. The founder of Fujishima school was Fujishima Tomoshige (藤島友重), a student of Rai Kunitoshi, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history. It is believed that the first-gen Kiyomitsu was a descendant of Tomishige. Kaga domain was ruled by Maeda clan when Kiyomitsu was alive. 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 he became the feudal lord of Kaga Province(today’s Ishikawa prefecture). It is said that Toshie had a vast rice fief that fed 100 million grown-up adults, which is called Hyakuman Goku. The Maeda clan was one of the most influential clans in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The generations of Kiyomitsu served Maeda clan and must have forged many swords for this clan. We also assume the high level of craftsmanship Kiyomitsu mastered was appreciated in the Kaga domain. It would be nice to have a piece forged in the warring state period when there was so much rivalry between warlords. This blade is categorized as a Wakizashi on the NBTHK certificate because its cutting edge is slightly shorter than the minimum length to call a Katana. When the Katana is less than 2 Shaku (1 Shaku=30.3 cm), it is categorized as a Wakizashi in Japanese sword terminology in modern times. However, we believe this was used as a Katana, and it was primarily made for one-hand combat. The user could hold this sword with one hand, a popular way to fight during the late Muromachi period. 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. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 60.0 cm( 23.6 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 1.25 cm(0.49 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. It seems a variety of motifs are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. Probably various items are partly overlapped, and it is challenging to judge what each is. However, this Fuchi Kashira is a work with a gorgeous appearance as a whole. If you look at the picture that shows the entire handle part, you will find leaves with long vines. This plant looks similar to the plant that is designed in the Tsuba (Please check in the Tsuba’s description). Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. We assume this Menuki’s motif is a k