説明

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Hokke with NBTHK Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade is attributed to Hokke (法華) by NBTHK, one of Japan’s most reputable Japanese sword appraising organizations. Hokke is a prestigious school name that flourished during the late Kamakura-Nanbokucho era (Late 13th-14th century). The school was located in Ashida area in Bingo province (today’s Hiroshima prefecture). It is said that those who lived in Ashida area were followers of the Nichiren sect, and Hokke swordsmiths often forged blades for the politically powerful Buddhist priests. They needed many weapons as there were many political rivalries between influential temples. They required strong weapons like swords to protect themselves. Hokke swordsmiths met their requests and made excellent quality blades. It is believed that the school was founded by Kokubunji Sukekuni (国分寺助国) in the late Kamakura period (Approx. 1329). Sukekuni was originally from Bizen province (today’s Okayama prefecture) and belonged to Bizen Ichimonji school, one of the most prestigious schools during the Kamakura period. Sukekuni was the father of Mihara Masaie (三原正家). Masaie was the founder of Mihara school, another prestigious school in the region. This blade has a beautiful Jigane (steel surface pattern) and a groove enhancing its aesthetics. It comes with gorgeous sword mountings whose motif is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(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, well preserved with artistic value. 【Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 46.2 cm ( 18.2 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 1.0 cm ( 0.39 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. Japanese tea utensils are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. You would see the same designs in other sword mountings. Please check each of them: Menuki and Kougai. In this Fuchi Kashira, you would find Chagama (茶釜, tea iron), Hishaku (柄杓, ladle), Hibashi (火箸, metal chopsticks), Chaire (茶入, tea container), and Chawan (茶碗, tea bowl), etcetera. The Japanese tea ceremony (茶道, Sa-Do) is one of the traditional performing arts in Japan. Its core foundation dates back to the mid-Samurai era when the renowned tea master Sen-No Rikyu established Wabi-Cha. Wabi-Cha was a type of tea ceremony held in specific manners that incorporated the sense of Wabi-Sabi (the art of modesty) and respect. Sen-No Rikyu served under famous Samurais such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. We could say the Sa-Do was connected with Samurai culture because of its political utilization. Tsuka and Menuki : Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration. As mentioned above, tea tools are the motifs of this Menuki. You would find Chasen (茶筅, whisk) in the upper Menuki, and Hishaku is designed for the lower side Menuki. Both are colored with golden paint. You would see Habouki (羽箒, broom) behind these items. 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 th