説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Masatoshi with NBTHK
Tokubetsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Etchu no Kami Masatoshi (越中守正俊). He is also known as the first-gen Masatoshi, who was the fourth son of Seki Kanemichi(関兼道). He received an honorable official title of Etchu no Kami in the second year of the Keicho era (1597). He was especially active during 1600-1624.
Seki Kanemichi was originally from Mino province, exclusively forging blades for Shingen Takeda, a famous feudal lord. In 1593, he moved to Kyoto in 1593 by bringing his four sons, Iga no Kami Kinmichi(伊賀守金道)、Izumi no Kami Rai Kinmichi(和泉守来金道), Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi(丹波守吉道) and
Echu no kami Masatoshi(越中守正俊)
. Seki Kanemichi established Mishina school in Kyoto, one of the most prestigious schools in the early Edo period.
The first-gen Etchu no Kami Masatoshi was known as Kyoto Gokaji(京都五鍛冶), five prestigious swordsmiths living in Kyoto in the early Edo period. It is said that the first-gen Masatoshi was the most skilled one among other brothers, and his craftsmanship was passed down to his son, the second-gen Masatoshi. The second-gen Masatoshi was allowed to inscribe a chrysanthemum emblem, which is the symbol of the Japanese emperor. His sword-forging technique was so great that the emperor licensed him to use this emblem, which was quite honorable for any swordsmiths.
It is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Token
(特別保存刀剣) 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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)
:
40.9 cm (16.1 inches)
Curvature (Sori)
:
0.90 cm (0.35 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
Kissaki
:
Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
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.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The theme of this Menuki is two monkeys playfully interacting. Originally, monkeys were a rare subject in Japanese art. However, around the 13th century, monkey-themed paintings were introduced from China, and the motif gradually became more common in Japan. In Chinese, the character for monkey is 「猴」, which is pronounced the same as 「侯」, a character meaning “lord” or “feudal lord” in Japanese. Because of this shared pronunciation, monkey motifs came to be regarded as auspicious and sacred in Japan.
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.
The theme of the Habaki is the “Maru ni Katabami” family crest. The Katabami (wood sorrel) is a wild plant native to Japan since ancient times. Known for its resilience—it doesn’t wither even when trampled—it became a popular motif for family crests, symbolizing strength and perseverance. It is also considered one of the oldest family crests in Japan.
Kozuka :
Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanes