説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Sadamori with NBTHK
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
According to the signature and the authentication paper issued by NBTHK, it was forged by Omi no Kami Minamoto Rai Sadamori in Yamashiro province(today’s Kyoto) in SHINTO era.
SHINTO era is a Japanese sword terminology that refers to the blades forged during
1596-1763.
Based on this blade’s style, we believe it was forged during the early Edo period(1661-1673).
Yamashiro province was famous for its sword making style called YAMASHIRO-DEN. YAMASHIRO-DEN’s origin dates back to the Heian period(794 A.D), when the capital city was moved from Nara to Kyoto. The swordsmiths in Yamashiro province initially prospered by forging swords for court nobles and imperial families. Later on, they also forged swords for feudal lords after Samurai military government took control of Japan. There are so many renowned swordsmiths from this region.
It is said that the founder of YAMASHIRO-DEN was Sanjo Munechika. And there are seven prestigious schools in this region. One of them is Rai school, where Sadamori belonged. Rai school and Aawata school are the most prestigious ones among YAMASHIRO-DEN.
One of the most characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane. This blade represents a little trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN. Sadayoshi also received the title Omi no Kami. The title of Kami was only given to swordsmiths whose sword-forging technique was superb.
This blade is appraised as a 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). It accompanies by gorgeous sword mountings called Han-dachi style(Half Tachi style sword mounting).
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
63.4 cm( 24.9 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.4 cm( 0.55 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(Sabbard), Tsuka( Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The ivy pattern is carved for this Fuchi Kashira. Ivy has vitality, and it thrives strongly; therefore, this plant pattern represents prosperity and longevity.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
Dragon is the motif of this Menuki. Dragon is a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is Mizuchi (mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance. In Japan, people appreciate this creature’s design as an all-purpose auspicious pattern.
Tsuba and Habaki
:
Tsuba is the handguard for the Japanese Sword and Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.
Yotsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba. One side is decorated with dragon patterns, and the other hand is designed with plant patterns. It is said dragon controls water and makes clouds, rain and thunder. That is why the combination of dragon and