説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kashu Ietsugu with Hozon Certificate 【Description】 According to NBTHK’s appraisal , it was signed by Kashu Fujiwara Ietsugu(加州藤原家次), while Tsugu part was cut due to Suriage (the blade size adjustment) in the past. Ietsugu is also known as Kaga Aoe, being active in sword-forging in the late Muromachi period(late 16th century) in Kaga domain(Today’s Ishikawa prefecture). It is said that Ietusugu belonged to the Kashu Sanekage school, which was prosperous during the Muromachi period, forging many swords for high-class Samurai. Ietsugu resided in Kashu province(today’s Ishikawa prefecture), forging swords for living. This province was ruled by Maeda clan when Ietsugu 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 he 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 powerful lines in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi. This blade was 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) on June, 2021. We are expecting to receive this paper by the end of October. This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved with artistic value. There is partial rust on the Boshi area(near the tip of the blade). While its current condition is good enough to be appreciated, we will be happy to have it polished without additional charge if you are okay with waiting for an additional 1-2 month. We do business with a professional Japanese sword polisher. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 70.0 cm( 27.56 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. Swimming fish are designed on this Fuchi Kashira. These fish might be the Tai (鯛, sea bream); it is a good-luck bringer, so it has often been used for celebrations. Also, this fish is a symbol of the Ebisu (恵比寿) God, who is the member of the Shichifukujin (七福神, the Seven Gods of Good Fortune). The Ebisu God usually has a fishing pole and a sea bream, so initially, he was the God of fishing. Ports will be done well by the comings and goings of ships. Safe voyages will bring profitable businesses; therefore, the Ebisu became famous as the God of trade. In addition, it is believed to be the God of good match or wealth in some areas. Although the Ebisu God himself is not depicted for this Fuchi Kashira, it might suggest this God’s existence. Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. The running horses are the motif of this Menuki. It seems gold metal was initially applied to these horses. This animal has been around human life for a long time, not only as our food but also for transportation or carriage of luggage. In Japan, horses were thought as vehicles for gods to be dedicated to shrines in ancient times. A theory says it is the origin of Ema (