Edo was the sword’s age of connoisseurship: the Hon’ami appraisers, the shogunal register of famous blades of 1719, and a thriving literature turned the sword into an object of study even as it ceased to be drawn in war.
This katana is attributed to Aoki Motonaga, a smith active during the late Edo period (around Bunsei era). Motonaga initially studied under Nobutaka of Owari, then further honed his skills under Suketaka in Osaka and Motohira in Satsuma, eventually changing his name to Motonaga. After extensive training, he returned to Nagoya Castle town to continue his work.
NihontoWatch
Settsu · around 1801-1804
Fujishiro Chu-jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 76%
1 piece on the market now
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
Edo was the sword’s age of connoisseurship: the Hon’ami appraisers, the shogunal register of famous blades of 1719, and a thriving literature turned the sword into an object of study even as it ceased to be drawn in war.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
