説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by the first-gen Masatoshi with
NBTHK
JUYO TOKEN
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade was signed by Etchu no Kami Fujiwara Masatoshi (越中守藤原正俊) in the 20th year of the Keicho era (1615: Early Edo Period). 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.
Appraisal
This blade is appraised as a
JUYO TOKEN
(重要刀剣) 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, exceptionally well preserved and of high quality with artistic value. JUYO is one rank higher than Tokubetsu Hozon. To be eligible for a Juyo Token, it needs to be appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token first. It is extremely rare for an antique Japanese sword to be appraised as JUYO TOKEN, and it is highly desirable among Japanese sword collectors.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of minor Kitae kizu on this blade. If you like to check the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
57.1 cm (22.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.3 cm (0.51 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.
The surface of this Fuchi Kashira is decorated with the Nanako-Ji (魚子地) technique. This process makes a uniform minimal protrusions pattern by hitting the Nanako-Ji Tagane (魚子地鏨, a chisel for this technique) on a metal surface. This decorative technique is often seen on sword mountings. Also, golden paint is applied to this Fuchi Kashira, adding decorativeness to this work.
About the design, you would find bird figures flying around Ume (梅, Japanese apricot blossom) trees. We are still determining the bird motifs designed for this Fuchi Kashira. In Japan, there is a classical design called the Ume ni Uguisu (梅に鶯). It is a combination of Japanese apricot blossom and Japanese bush warbler. In Japanese poetries and paintings, it is a traditional analogy of a perfect match, a match made in heaven, or a good friendship. There are several views about