説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi attributed to Joushu Sueyuki
with NBTHK
Tokubestsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to Joshu Sueyuki (城州末行), who was especially active during the late Kamakura period (
1293-1299
). Joshu is another name for Yamashiro province. He belonged to Ayanokoji school located in Yamashiro province (Today’s Kyoto prefecture).
Ayanokoji school was founded by Sadatoshi (定利) during the mid-Kamakura period (1264-1275). The school’s name came from the fact that Sadatoshi lived in Ayanokoji city. Sueyuki was one of the prominent figures among those who belonged to this school. He forged blades with *Yamashiro Den tradition, one of the five Japanese sword-forging techniques.
Yamashiro Den
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 four prestigious main branches in this region. They are Sanjo, Rai, Nobukuni, and Awataguchi. According to available records, Ayanokoji school had close ties with Sanjo branch.
One of the characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane (steel surface pattern). This blade represents a great trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN.
We see what appears to be a Homare Kizu (誉疵), which tells us that this blade was used in a battle. Homare means honorable, and Homare Kizu is considered a good blade characteristic that tells us its history.
This blade 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 see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
54
cm (21.2
inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.1 cm (0.43 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).
We believe that the motif of the Koshirae is Pine tree (松). As pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, people thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called Tokiwa-Iro (常盤色, evergreen trees’ dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name “Tokiwa-Gi (常盤木).” Tokiwa means immutability, so Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
We believe the motif of the Fuchi-Kashira is Karajishi (唐獅子) and Peony (牡丹). The Shis
