説明
Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Masahiro with NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate
【Description】
About swordsmith
This blade is attributed to the work of Sue Soshu Masahiro(末相州正広) by NBTHK, one of the most reputable Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern time. Sue Soshu refers to the blades forged by the swordsmiths in Sagami province during the mid-late Muromachi period(late 14th-late 16th century).
According to available records, the maker’s name Masahiro lasted seventh generations from the Nanbokucho-late Muromachi period(mid 14th -late 16th century). Based on the characteristic of this blade, we assume it could have been forged by the fourth-gen Masahiro, who was active around the Kosho era(1455-1457).
The first-gen Masahiro is said to have been an apprentice of Masamune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history. Masahiro served the Hojyo clan during Sengoku Jidai(Warring state period) to meet the high demand for weapons. Masahiro was one of the most famous swordsmiths who mastered Soshu traditions(Soshu DEN) along with Sadamune, Hiromitsu Masamune.
Soshu Den
The foundation of Soshu traditions (Soshu DEN) dates back to the establishment of the Kamakura government(1185-1333). The Shogun at the time, Hojo Tokiyori, gathered swordsmiths of Yamashiro-Den and Bizen-Den to create a new tradition named Soshu-Den.
Following the Mongolian Invasion caused in 1274 and 1281, they had to improve the strength of their swords. Skilled swordsmiths such as Shintougo Kunimitsu, Yukimitsu, and Masamune pursued their craft to bring Soshu-Den to the exquisite level, achieving both beauty and practicality that they had not seen before.
Horimono
This blade also has Horimono(the inscription) of Sanscrit letter and Kurikara Ken.
Kurikara-Ken (倶利伽羅剣) is the sword that Fudo Myo-O (不動明王, acalanātha) holds with his right hand(you can see it on the tang part). Fudo Myo-O is one of the objects of worship in Buddhism. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来, Mahāvairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). Kurikara-ken was named due to its appearance that Kurikara Ryu-O (倶利伽羅龍王, dragon) is winding around the sword. It is believed Kurikara-Ken could cut off worldly desires: Sandoku (三毒). Sandoku is the three fundamental earthly desires; Ton (貪, greed), Jin (瞋, anger, grudge), Chi (癡, delusion, complaint).
Construction of this blade
The construction of this blade is called Osoraku Zukuri. It has a very long tip whose length is close to the rest of the cutting edge in the sword. This construction has been very popular among Japanese sword collectors because of its elegant yet muscular appearance.
Please keep in mind that there is a partial black rust on Mune area(back bone of the blade). If you like to know the detail condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
33.6 cm (13.2
inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.66
c
m(0.65 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.
Horimono:
Horimono is an inscription or sculpture on Japanese swords.
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 Kiku Mon (菊紋, chrysanthemum pattern) and the Karakusa Zu (唐草, arabesque motif) are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. Chrysanthemums are engraved semi three-di
