日本刀 刀剣 短刀 無銘 兼常 NTHK鑑定書付

Category

Tanto(KO-TO)

Age

Tensho era(天正)：Azuchi Momoyama period(1573-1593 A.D.)

鑑定書

NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

Location

Mino Province (today’s Gifu prefecture)

鑑定書

NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

登録証

Kanagawa 59472

販売店の記載のまま

NOSHUSEKI Kanetsune(濃州関兼常) is a famous swordsmith from Mino province(Gifu prefecture). He usually forged Tanto Swords. The swords forged by him was known as superb quality sharp swords. There were a few generations of Kanetsune, and according to NTHK, this blade was forged in the Tensho era(1573-1593) The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI(Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon )in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late KAMAKURA period(1280-1330). It flourished in the MUROMACHI period(1333-1573) and continued until the EDO period(1603-1868). MINO-DEN especially prospered during Sengoku Jidai(Warring State period) due to the high demand for weapons. And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, and Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Furthermore, so many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area. Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had the reputation of its practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. The tradition of excellent sword forging skills had been passed to the Edo period. Nakago NTHK concluded that It is Suriage Mumei, meaning the signature part was cut due to shortening the blade. Koshirae Fuchi-Kashira Tsuka’s Fuchi is engraved as pine leaves shape. Pine trees keep their green color through the years by withstanding severe heat and cold. Therefore, people regard it as a sacred plant which represents eternal youth or strong vitality. Tsuka and Menuki Flower-shaped decorations are put for Menuki. It might describe the chrysanthemum flower. A long time ago, people used chrysanthemum as medicine for longevity in China. And it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the autumn flowers. People appreciate it very much and liken chrysanthemum to the sun because its petals form radially. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. Habaki Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside.It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped. Saya Saya’s point is covered with Kojiri (鐺), and its shape looks like a spiral shell. As Japan is an island, seafood is an essential food for Japanese people. Also, pearls made by shells have been used for ornaments since a long time ago. Conch is the most massive coiled shell in Japan. People once used conch as a musical instrument. They blew conch shells believing that it would exorcise evil spirits and protect them. Kozuka Kozuka is a small knife stored in Koduka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword). A shrimp is designed for Kozuka. According to a theory, Japanese people already ate shrimp in the Heian period (794-1185). As it was expensive for ordinary citizens, only the nobility and high-class people could enjoy it at that time. People started using shrimp as a good-omen pattern and appreciated designing it for their family crests in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). As shrimps are covered with hard shells, it was thought shrimp represents the brave Samurai wearing the armor in Samurai’s society. Shrimp has been likened to an older adult because of its long feelers. Also, shrimps jump even though they are bowed. That is the reason why the shrimp pattern is treated as a symbol of perpetual youth and longevity. Authentication Paper NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on June 14th in the second year of Reiwa (2020).The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well.