Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Hirosada NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

附属品

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category

Katana(Shinto)

Age

Early Edo Period(Early 17th century:approx. 400 years old)

Location

Hizen Province(Saga prefecture)

登録証

Kyoto 9070

販売店の記載のまま

This blade was signed by Hizenkoku Jyu Hirosada(肥前国住人広貞), also known as Hizen Yoshi-Ie(肥前吉家) in the early Edo period( early 17th century). He was an apprentice of Tadayoshi, one of the greatest swordsmiths in the early Edo period. Hirosada was also Tadayoshi’s son-in-law. His real name is Hashimoto Honsouemon(橋本本惣右衛門). Hizenkoku, located in Saga prefecture, is the name of the place where Hirosada forged this blade. He first signed as Hirosada(広貞) but changed his maker’s name to Yoshiie in the second year of Genwa(1616). We believe this blade is one of the earliest works of Yoshiie before he changed his maker’s name. He often forged swords on behalf of his master, Tadahiro, which means his artistry must have been excellent. He died at the age of 80 in 1656. This swordsmith was serving for the Nabeshima clan, forging swords for the feudal family. Nabeshima clan ruled Hizenkoku during the Edo period, which indicates that Hirosada served a powerful feudal lord. The swordsmiths in the Hizen province worked under the auspices of the Nabeshima clan like Hirosada(Yoshi-Ie). They were able to produce beautiful Jigane-patterned blades, also known as Hizen To, using and mixing carbon steel made in western countries. Hizenkoku had been flourishing by international trading. The geographic location of this domain made it possible to have easy access to western carbon steel. We are confident you will appreciate Hirosada’s craftsmanship by observing this blade. It also accompanies by gorgeous sword mounting. This blade is appraised as Tokubetsu Hozon certificate issued by NBTHK. This authentication paper was only given to Japanese swords, especially worth preserving by Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai(the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword). Fuchi-Kashira A mask that is used in No play (能楽, a classical Japanese dance-drama), and some musical instruments such as Tsuzumi (鼓, a small shoulder drum played with one’s fingertips) and harp are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. This mask might be classified as Oni’s mask. Oni (鬼) is a monster with a human body, usually harmful but sometimes helpful. There are Oni who will ask for trouble. On the other hand, there are also Oni who exorcize evil spirits. Today, in Japan, we continue a traditional custom called Setsubun (節分) on February 3. People scatter roasted soybeans to drive out devils or evil spirits (the manner is different depending on area). The Oni mask that is worn at this time represents Oni, who will drive away wicked spirits. We would like to speculate that Samurai might have wanted to gain supernatural power like Oni. Tsuka and Menuki Saru (猿, monkey) is the motif of this Menuki. Generally speaking, as we know, monkeys belong to the same primates as us humans. So it is considered to be the closest animal to humans. Probably, it is why monkeys have often been personified in pictures and stories since ancient times. Please look again at monkeys of this Menuki. Each of them brings a stick-shaped object with a bundle of paper attached to it. Also, it seems they wear something like a hat. They look as if they were Shinto priests. This bundle of paper is called Gohei (御幣, also called Onbei or Onbe), a tool used in Shinto religious service. “御幣” means an offering to God. According to a theory, in China, the monkey has been regarded as a messenger of God. People believed that monkeys would protect horses so that they kept monkeys as guardians of a stable. People worshiped the monkey’s sacred power, and this animal was considered to be an auspicious existence. This idea was introduced from the continent to Japan. So we could imagine that Samurai also treated this animal motif as a kind of unique item. It is said there are not many sword mountings that the monkey is designed. We want to say that not only the quality of this Menuki is excellent, but its rarity enhances the value of this work. Tsuba and Habaki Circle-shaped Tsuba is made from iron and has Kozuka and Kougai holes. Flowers are engraved with the Sukashi-Bori (透かし彫り, openwork) technique. These flowers might be Shoubu (菖蒲, iris). It was thought the scent of iris leaves would exorcize disasters; therefore, some people used it as a talisman to protect against evils. It is said lots of Samurais favored the iris pattern to design for their war costumes because the Japanese name of iris “菖蒲 (Shoubu)” has the same pronunciation as another word “勝負 (Shoubu)” that means battle. Samurais might have put a wish for victory in this plant motif. Also, we hope you focus on the Habaki. On the silvery ground, Japanese pampas grasses that are swaying in the breeze are engraved. Moreover, the golden metal stand is piled on it. The moon is through the clouds. The combination of the full moon and Japanese pampas grass expresses a scene of an autumn night excellently. This Habaki is magnificent and makes us feel the taste of it. We hope you would enjoy this elegant work. Saya This Saya has a luxurious decorative coating with black lacquer and glittering material (it seems crushed seashell fragment). A spiral pattern is expressed as if a leech was wrapped around the Saya. This coating method might be a type of Hirumaki-Nuri (蛭巻塗). In Japan, there is a traditional ornamental technique that uses seashell; called Raden (螺鈿). Raden is a kind of decorative technique that is often used for traditional craftworks. It uses the pearl part of seashells and puts it into the engraved surface of lacquer or wood. Thanks to its iridescent luster, it gives a luxurious look to works. Authentication Paper They authenticated the blade on August 28th in the 9th year of Heisei (1997). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society. Registration Number The Board of Education in Kyoto prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword .It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho(銃刀剣類登録証).