説明

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Gassan with NBTHK Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This Wakizashi is attributed to the work of the Gassan school. We believe this blade was forged in the late Muromachi period(450-550 years old) based on its characteristics. Gassan school was founded in Deba domain(出羽), Yamagata prefecture, located in the northern part of Japan. It is said that the school name “Gassan”(月山) comes from the fact that they forged swords near the mountain called Gassan. One of the most prominent features of the work of the Gassan school is Ayasugihada, which looks undulating grain pattern in steel surface, which resembles a Japanese cedar grain. The blades forged by the members of Gassan school were in high demand among high-class Samurai because of their practicality and spirituality of Ayasugihada. Few swordsmiths managed to make Katana with Ayasugihada. It is said that the unique technique to make this design was never told to other schools, and the secret has been kept for generations until today. The school flourished from the Kamakura period to the late Muromachi period(Late 12th century- late 16th century), but it almost disappeared during the Edo period. However, toward the end of the Edo period, Gassan Sadayoshi revitalized Gassan school in Osaka, and Gassan school still creates highly quality swords this day and age. Among Japanese swords experts, Gassan is one of the most prestigious schools in Samurai history. This blade has a Hozon certificate issued by NBTHK. This authentication paper was only given to Japanese swords, worth preserving by Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai(the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword). This blade comes with beautiful sword mountings. You can appreciate the beautiful Ayasugihada while these gorgeous Tsuba or Menuki visually please your eyes. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 42.2 cm (16.6 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 on purpose to prevent red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, which 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. Take (竹, bamboo) is designed for this Fuchi Kashira. Th se bamboo knots are prominent, express a sturdy appearance. As bamboos grow straight towards the sky, it has the meaning of strength and nobility. Besides, the bamboo breaks straight, but its content is hollow; people thought it shows innocence. Also, bamboos are lush even in the cold of winter. It has been regarded as the symbol of eternity and immortality. According to a Chinese legend, Houhou (鳳凰, Fenghuang) eats the fruits of bamboo; therefore, people considered it a sacred plant. Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. Two men are designed as the motifs of this Menuki. It seems they wear ancient Chinese costumes. The one who is sitting on the chair might be a master, and the other who brings something is his subordinate. The golden metal is applied to the decorative parts of their clothes, and it still remains in relatively good condition. It gives a stunning impression for this work. 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. Oval-shaped Tsuba that has a K