説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Fujiwara Kanetane with NBTHK
Tokubestsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Echizen Koku Fujiwara Kanetane (越前国藤原兼植), who was active during the early Edo period (Early 17th century). The maker’s name Kanetane lasted three generations, and we believe it was created by the first-gen Kanetane. Kanetane was an apprentice of Echizen Kanenori. The blades forged by Kanetane were famous for their sharpness.
The first-gen Kanetane was originally from Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture). He moved from Mino province to Echizen province by being invited by Asakura clan. And, Kanetane founded his school and trained many apprentices. Echizen province was prosperous during the Edo period, being ruled by the Echizen Matsudaira clan, a direct retainer of the Tokugawa clan who ruled the Edo government. Many skilled swordsmiths moved to Echizen from different regions because of the high demand among Samurai. Many renowned swordsmiths were originally from the Mino province (Gifu prefecture). They are called Echizen Seki swordsmiths.
The second-gen Kanetane also forged blades in Kaga province (Today’s Ishikawa prefecture), and the third-gen lived in Edo and Echigo province. One of the blades created by the third-gen Kanetane was owned by Takeda Kanryusai, a member of Shinsengumi, a military unit that bodyguarded the Tokugawa Shogunate at the end of the Edo period.
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 is a very tinny chip on the tip of the blade and black rust. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
52.1
cm (20.5
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
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.
The Shida (羊歯, fern) pattern is designed on this Fuchi Kashira. It seems brass inlay was used for this decoration. Since ferns have a high fertility rate, Shida patterns represent children’s prosperity and success in business. Also, “羊歯” could be written as “歯朶” in Japanese. “歯” means ages, and “朶” means branches grow long. Therefore, it symbolizes longevity. In Japan, people treat this plant as a good-luck omen, so it has been used for decorations of entrance in the New Year.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
A Kaeru (蛙, frog) is the model of this Menuki. Golden paint is applied to these frogs. In Japanese, several expressions have the same pronunciation as “Kaeru.” For example, Fuku-Kaeru (福かえる, happiness will return), Okane-Kaeru (お金かえる, the money will come back), or Buji-Kaeru (無事かえる, someone will come back safely), etcetera. Based on these wordplays, the frog pattern has been treated as an auspicious motif. The third example: “Buji-Kaeru,” would match the Samurai’s wish to come back from the battlefields.
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. I
