YOSC 2012 Spring Bazaar - Unique Japan (uniquejapan.com)

YOSC
2012 Spring Bazaar
Saturday, March 31 (9am – 6pm)
Sunday, April 1, (10am – 4pm)
Yokota Air Base
Taiyo Community Center
Japanese Sword Collection
The following pages contain descriptions for the
Japanese swords that Unique Japan plans to have for
sale at the YOSC Spring 2012 Bazaar.
Each piece is a genuine Japanese antique and can be
legally owned and exported outside of Japan to the
United States or most anywhere in the world.
Descriptions and availability are subject to updates.
Our staff will happily expand on the information
presented so you can discover the full story of each
unique piece of samurai history.
Unique Japan, Fine Art Dealer
Antiques license issued by Meguro City, Tokyo (No.303291102398)
Proud Member of the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai
(Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
1
A SADAHIDE ARMY GUNTO
signed + dated, 12th showa period (august, 1937)
Swordsmith:
Ecchu Koku ju Miyamoto Sadahide (越中国住宮本貞秀造之)
Dated:
August, 1937 (昭和拾二年八月吉日)
Length:
68.0cm
Curvature:
1.5cm
Hamon:
Suguha (straight)
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$6,350
This is a very fine WWII Army Gunto that was signed and dated in August 1937.
It has a tremendous curvature and is rather
long - approaching 70cm.
The straight hamon (temper line) was
inspired by swordsmiths who first made
900 years ago in the Heian Period.
All Army and Navy guntos carry a Sakura (cherry blossom) theme. The Sakura is
the national flower of Japan and the most masculine one.
The Sakura is an important Samurai symbol because the cherry tree blooms for a
very short time, and then they disappear.
Like the Samurai warrior, the cherry blossom dies at the peak of its maturity.
All seppa (washers) and tsuba (guard) match in numbers. This shows that the blade
and scabbard are original to the blade.
2
A SHINODA UJIFUSA ARMY GUNTO
signed, showa period (circa wwii)
Length:
66.7cm
Curvature:
1.0cm
Hamon:
Gunome with Kochoji (waves with cloves)
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$6,500
This is an excellent WWII Army Gunto held by a Company or Warrant Officer as
signified by the brown-blue tassel suspended at the hilt.
氏房 (Ujifusa) is a name synonymous with quality sword making dating back
several centuries. It is not entirely certain how the name Shinoda is related
to the Ujifusa family but it would have been an honor bestowed upon him.
All Army and Navy guntos carry a Sakura (cherry blossom) theme. The Sakura is
the national flower of Japan and the most masculine one.
The Sakura is an important Samurai symbol because the cherry tree blooms for a
very short time, and then they disappear.
Like the Samurai warrior, the cherry blossom dies at the peak of its maturity.
The scabbard is made of heavy steel, so it’s one of the originals. Later made katanas
were housed in aluminum scabbards so that steel could be used elsewhere during
the war.
All seppa (washers) and tsuba (guard) match in numbers, which is important when
investing in top quality gunto swords.
3
BUSHU JU FUJIWARA NO HIROSHIGE KATANA
signed, edo period (circa kanbun era 1661~1673)
Swordsmith:
BUSHU JU FUJIWARA NO HIROSHIGE (武州住藤原広重)
Length:
71.2cm
Curvature:
1.6cm
Hamon:
Midare Gunome with beautiful nie (zig-zag wavy temper line)
Certificate:
Tokubestu Kicho (Sword designated as especially precious by the
Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, exportation paperwork
$14,000
Behold a classic Kanbun Shinto sword, where the blade starts off quite wide at the
base and then gradually tapers to a point.
Being more than 70cm and in its original condition makes this magnificent sword
extra collectible. A custom made koshirae would be a grand idea for a sword of
this level of quality.
This is a prime example of quality sword making over 340 years ago.
4
A SHINSHINTO KATANA
unsigned, late edo period (circa 1850)
Length:
73.0cm
Curvature:
2.1cm
Hamon:
Suguha (straight) and Ko-midare (small peaks of waves)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork
$6,800
Made at the time when the Samurai were fighting for survival over 150 years
ago, sword makers in the later parts of the 19th century produced katanas that
were designed to fend off the most towering opponent.
Awesome katanas such as this one were produced in an attempt to protect
their land effectively from imminent foreign attack.
The hamon (temper line) of this formidable piece is a mixture of straight suguha,
and several beautiful tiny waves appear when drawn to the light.
A gold-colored silk hilt and other quality koshirae mounts make up this very
enviable example from the era of the last Samurai.
5
A YAMATO TOSHIYUKI KATANA*
signed, end of edo / early meiji period (19th century)
Swordsmith:
Yamato no Kuni Toshiyuki (大和国俊)
Location:
Yamato (Nara prefecture)
Length:
65.5cm
Curvature:
1.6cm
Hamon:
Combination of Gunome and Ko-choji (waves and small cloves)
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, DVD and exportation services
$4,980
* Toshiyuki was the younger brother of the great Yamato no Kuni Taima
Kuniyuki who flourished in the Late Kamakura period (13th century).
It must be said; this beautiful katana carries the hallmarks of a very different era
of sword making. Couple this with a rather clean condition of the nakago (tang),
we can deduce that the blade is about 150 years old.
Even though the signature on the nakago is not that of Toshiyuki’s, it is without
question, a very striking katana with a fine curvature and brilliant hamon
(temper line) that fills the sword with waves and clove blossoms.
The menuki (ornament under the silk thread) is that of a revered dragon which
traditionally gives power to the Samurai.
The ocean wave-inspired tsuba (guard) further compliments the sword’s
mounting as a superb display piece.
6
A PHOENIX KATANA
unsigned, nanbokucho - muromachi (circa 1350-1450)
Location:
Unknown
Length:
64.3cm
Curvature:
1.4cm
Hamon:
Uma no Ha Midare (horse teeth) and Gunome Choji with Sunagashi
Boushi:
Kaen Boushi (streaks of fire)
Certificate:
To be applied if desired
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$5,150
Judging by the nakago (tang) and curvature of this katana, it was made in the late
1300s to early 1400s, more than 500 years ago.
The blade is in old polished state, though the beauty of the blade is clearly visible.
The eye-catching horse-tooth hamon with clove waves is beautiful.
Look for the streaks of fire in the tip of the blade!
There are some rusty dots around 10cm above habaki. The rust has penetrated the
blade, so if it is polished, the rust will still be slightly visible.
Applying for NBTHK Hozon (conservation status) would likely see a positive
result given the age and good condition of the blade.
The koshirae (mountings) comprise of clouds and phoenix on fuchi (collar). The
menuki (ornament under the hilt’s silk) is of revered shisa lions that keep the
blade clean from evil spirits (as they do in front of Japanese shrines).
The tsuba (guard) represents a tree depicting a long and healthy life. This is a fine
Japanese sword that should definitely rise again.
7
A JUMYO (LONG LIFE) WAKIZASHI
signed, mid-edo period (circa 1780)
Swordsmith:
Jumyo School Smith
Length:
51.7cm
Curvature:
0.8cm
Hamon:
Gunome (wavy temper line)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$5,800
Their unique name, Jumyo, means life span or longevity. As it’s meaning is so
hopeful, their swords were prized as celebrated gifts to Daimyo (great) families
amongst the Samurai society.
What makes this over 200 year-old wakizashi is that it is signed with the
characters, 寿命 (Jumyo) on the tang. Authentication of this signature can be
done with an NBTHK application if desired.
It’s koshirae (mounting) is truly first class. Behold the finely handcrafted powerful
dragon menuki (eyelets under the silk handle), absolutely stunning.
The tortoise shell pattern on the very old and meaty tsuba (guard) is symbolic for a
long life. The tsuba (guard) is also signed by Nobuie (1596-1615).
The wavy gunome hamon (temper line) puts a finishing touch on such a gorgeous
sword.
8
A TSUGUHIRO WAKIZASHI
signed, early edo period (circa kanbun era: 1661-1673)
Swordsmith:
Omi no Kami Fujiwara no Tsuguhiro (近江守藤原継広)
Location:
Signed Echizen (Fukui prefecture)
Length:
53.1cm
Curvature:
1.4cm
Hamon:
Gunome Midare (random wave temper line)
Certificate:
NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the
Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood
scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD,
registration and all exportation paperwork
$7,250
This extra long 350 year-old wakizashi was expertly crafted and signed by
Tsuguhiro who belonged to the Fujiwara clan in the Echizen region on the Sea of
Japan.
The blades overall balance is sublime – notice how the base of the sword is thick
and gradually tapers to the tip, this is a prominent feature of swords made during
the Kanbun Period, circa 1673-1681.
The sword’s bold gunome midare (wavy temper line) and a red celebratory
koshirae mounting for good luck compliment this sword wonderfully well.
As this sword was made in Echizen, one of our finest Echizen-made kitchen
knives from our collection will be included with this sword.
9
A DOTANUKI CRAB CLAW WAKIZASHI
signed, late edo period (circa tempo era: 1830-1843)
Swordsmith:
Dotanuki Munehiro (同田貫宗広)
Location:
Higo no Kuni (Kumamoto prefecture)
Length:
53.6cm
Curvature:
1.2cm
Hamon:
Kani-tsume-ba midare (wave temper line with crab claws)
Certificate:
NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the
Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood
scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration
and all exportation paperwork
$6,950
Looking closely at this very admirable hamon (temper line) one will notice many
crab claws skillfully crafted that were formed out from the tempering process.
Pockets of rich nie (visible crystals) form an energetic wave splashing the length of
the near 200-year old blade.
The renowned Dotanuki school was located in Higo no Kuni, which is modern
day Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu.
The school has roots that can be traced to the Enju school - dating back as far back
as the Kamakura era (14th century).
This is a stunning wakizashi from a respected school at a very reasonable price.
10
A KAGA ZOUGAN WAKIZASHI
unsigned, late muromachi - early edo (circa 1550~1630)
Length:
52.7cm
Curvature:
1cm
Hamon:
Suguha (straight) and Gunome (wavy)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork to home
country
$5,100
This is a 400-year old sword blessed with a beautiful set of koshirae (mounts).
The tsuba (guard) is made by a technique known in Japan as ‘Kaga zougan’ – or
damascening. It is the art of inlaying different metals into one another—typically,
gold into a darkly oxidized steel background to produce intricate patterns.
The technique has a long history in Kaga or present-day Kanazawa prefecture.
What gives this wakizashi tremendous character is the very rare intricately carved
depiction of Susano-o on the saya (scabbard . Susano-­o is the Japanese Shinto god of the sea and storms. He is protecting this sword with all his legendary power and
might.
The menuki under the silk tsuka (handle) are of shisa lions, which bring the owner
good luck and wards off evil spirits which one can find at Japanese shrines.
This is a marvelously old sword that has been well maintained throughout its
lifetime within prominent Samurai families.
11
A YAMATO TEGAI WAKIZASHI
unsigned, kamakura - nambokucho period
(circa. 14th – 15th century, 620-700 years old)
Swordsmith:
A Yamato Tegai School Smith
Length:
46.4cm
Curvature:
1.2cm
Hamon:
Suguha (a classic straight temper line)
Certificate:
NBTHK Tokubestu Kicho (A sword designated as especially precious
by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood
scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD,
registration and all exportation paperwork
$6,250
This is one of the oldest swords in our collection, an absolute treasure made over 600
years ago. It was once a long katana, but was shortened to a wakizashi length.
The Tegai School in the Yamato tradition crafted this particular wakizashi. The
name of the school originated from the Tegaimon (gate) of Todaiji temple in Nara.
The smiths lived in the temple town.
The Tegai school was founded in the late Kamakura period by Kanenaga and ceased
to be active at the end of the Nambokucho period (circa 1392).
For purists, there is nothing like a Yamato sword. Swords made over generations in
this tradition share a tremendous amount of commonality. They were pioneers, and
given the fact large, powerful temples in Nara provided the majority of funds to
smiths, there is a strong spiritual element to the tradition.
This wakizashi is a truly spectacular keepsake from Japan.
12
A YASUHIRO WAKIZASHI
signed, muromachi period (circa eisho era 1504~1520)
Length:
38.2cm
Curvature:
0.8cm
Hamon:
Notare Gunome with Sanbonsugi (wavy temper line with 3 peaks)
Certificate:
NBTHK SHOWA 55 Tokubestu Kicho (Sword designated as
especially precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Original Edo period koshirae, shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk
carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, exportation paperwork
$7,700
Here is a truly delightful wakizashi signed by Yasuhiro in Tokyo (Edo) about 500
years ago according to record books.
The highly collectible “Green” NBTHK certification achievement of Tokubestu
Kicho (especially precious) is very rare - issued in Showa 55 (1980).
The fine bo-hi (groove) running along the blade makes this a blade that could cut
extremely well. A sword that is sharp with a breathtaking hamon (temper line)
that depicts cypress trees, with every third tree rising above the others. This is
known as the Sambonsugi hamon.
An outstanding original aikuchi koshirae (mounting without a tsuba) has matching
dragon pieces all from the Edo period. It fits the sword like a glove.
As 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, it will make for an extra special memento.
13
A HEIANDO JU NORISADA WAKIZASHI signed, edo period (circa kanei era: 1624-1645)
Swordsmith:
Heiando Ju Norisada (平安城住則定)
Location:
Mikawa (Eastern part of Aichi prefecture)
Length:
54.6cm
Curvature:
1.4cm
Hamon:
Gunome Midare (random waves)
Certificate:
NBTHK Kicho (A sword designated as precious by the Society for the
Preservation of the Japan Art Sword on Showa 37 (1962) – strict guidelines) Included:
NBTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$5,400
Norisada was a respected swordsmith, following the Yamashiro tradition of sword
making that has its roots in Kyoto.
Norisada hails from the lovely province of Mikawa (eastern part of Aichi prefecture)
that has an illustrious history of Samurai clans dating back to the Heian period (7941185).
This long near 400 year-old wakizashi has a wavy gunone hamon (temper line) and a
fairly strong curvature to it. Swords made later in the 1600s tended to be straighter,
so this piece reflects blades made in the Muromachi period (1500s). Interestingly, the fuchi (collar) mounting features a kirimon – a paulownia flower seal
used by the Cabinet of Japan on official documents.
The menuki (ornament under the silk thread) is a silver Daruma, who
represents Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Daruma is known in Japan
for his tremendous persistence to never, ever give up on life goals.
A gorgeous tsuba (guard) with much adored peonies caps off this stunner.
14
A MINAMOTO WAKIZASHI
unsigned, kamakura - nambokucho period
(circa. 14th – 15th century, 620-700 years old)
Length:
47.0cm
Curvature:
0.8cm
Hamon:
Komidare with Nie, Sunagashi, Yubashiri, and Kinsuji
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$5,450
This wakizashi is an over 600 year-old antique that has carries all the elements
that make up a prized sword. This is a sword worth much more than the asking
price because it has not (yet) been officially reviewed by the NBTHK.
Upon taking this sword to the light, one will see a tremendous amount of activity
inside the hamon (temper line). Gems like Sunagashi (streaks of sand), and Kinsuji
(bolts of lightning).
Samurai battle scenes on a koshirae (mounting) are always collectible, and this
wakizashi has them in great sequence. The fuchi (collar) depicts the battle of the
great Minamoto and Taira families in the 12th century.
Notice the Samurai is on a horse with an arrow in his mouth. The menuki
(ornament under the silk thread on the hilt) is the Minamoto family crest.
An old iron tsuba (guard) from the Edo period fastened within a crushed seashell
saya (scabbard) tailors off this beautiful collectible. This is Soshu traditional sword
making at it’s finest.
15
A SUKESADA WAKIZASHI
signed, late muromachi period (circa. 1500-1550)
Swordsmith:
Bishu Osafune Sukesada
Location:
Bizen province (present day Okayama prefecture)
Length:
37.4cm
Curvature:
0.8cm
Hamon:
Hitatsura (a rare full temper with spots of tobiyaki)
Certificate:
to be submitted if desired
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care
guide, registration and all exportation paperwork
$5,950
The Sukesada family name spans an impressive 60 generations in Japan’s history
of sword making.
This wakizashi, which is about 450 years old, features an unmistakable hitatsura
hamon (spotted temper line) that is achieved by forging at extremely high
temperatures.
This also helps to make the sword very sharp and stunningly beautiful.
The koshirae (mounting) features a rare tsuka (handle) made out of oak or a related
hard wood. The aikuchi (openings) are made out of cow horn.
The menuki (ornamental grips) are a design of pine leaves and spiders, which is
very unusual.
This sword has a very good chance to pass signature authenticity as it is formed in
classic Sukesada fashion.
16
A KUNIYASU TANTO signed, edo period (circa enpo era: 1673-1681)
Swordsmith:
Buko Jouka Kuniyasu (武江城下国保作之)
Length:
9 Sun 1 Bu
Hamon:
Chu Suguha with lots of Nie (straight packed with tiny crystals)
Certificate:
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho (A sword designated as especially precious
by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
NBTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$6,500
Crafted in the classic Yamato tradition, this is one very special tanto by swordsmith
Kuniyasu made about 350 years ago.
Kuniyasu's was originally known as Dewa no Kami Fujiwara no Kuniyasu. He is
from Yamato (Nara) and was related to the Kanenaga school. He then moved to Edo
(Tokyo) in Enpo Era (late 1600s) where traditional Samurai ethics flourished.
This sword was registered with this koshirae mounting on the 26th of Showa (1951),
which only swords from great Daimyo families were invited.
All clasps are original. The fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel) is signed by Akao
Yoshitsugu and made to a formidable standard. You’ll be able to see peonies, shisa
lions (dogs), which ward off evil spirits as they do at Japanese shrines.
The tsuba (guard) features a koi (carp) swimming up a waterfall. Legend had when a
dragon comes to earth from heaven, the dragon changes his appearance into a koi
fish. Thus this koi embodies the very spirit of a dragon. Look for the lovely oversized ray fish node on the tsuka (hilt). 17
A NOBUTAKA TANTO
signed, keicho shinto period (circa 1596-1615)
Swordsmith:
HOUKI NO KAMI NOBUTAKA
Location:
Owari province (present day Aichi prefecture)
Length:
20.0cm
Curvature:
0cm
Hamon:
Suguha with Ko Ashi
Included:
Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit,
printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork
$6,600
This is a very high-class Samurai tanto made 400 years ago when the Edo Period
began.
Houki no Kami Nobutaka, chairman of the Seki Swordsmiths Association, and was a
personal swordsmith of Owari Tokugawa Shogun family.
This Samurai tanto that is remarkably thick, built to penetrate armor. And with such
power comes remarkable beauty as the features of Higo Zougan koshirae so
marvelously decorate the piece.
The saya features crushed blue shells. Shakudo Kozuka is signed by 志津三郎兼氏
(Shitsu Saburou Kaneuchi).
The design of menuki is a peaceful scene of dogs playing with a bird. A beautiful
signed kozuka (paper knife) is included within the koshirae.
18
A SAMURAI SCROLL TANTO unsigned, end of edo period (19th century)
Length:
18.8cm
Curvature:
0.4cm
Hamon:
Kogunome with Ashi (small waves with extending legs)
Included:
Koshirae, silk carry bag, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD
and exportation services
$3,700
Here is a very interesting Samurai tanto made about 150 years ago.
The blade features an eye-catching hamon (temper line) that waves the length of
the piece. This type of hamon was quite popular towards the close of the Edo
period in the 19th century.
The koshirae (mount) features a floral-designed kashira (pommel) and clouds for
the fuchi (collar). The tsuba (guard) is small and quaint.
On the front of the sword, you’ll see a Samurai (or perhaps a Daimyo Lord?)
running. On the back, a scroll can be clearly seen nestled in the hilt.
The connection between the Samurai and the scroll is not entirely understood, but
an educated guess would be reflective of the final days of the Edo Period.
The scroll depicts the battle strategy and the Samurai fighting the years before the
Meiji Restoration, when Japan opened up its doors to the world.
This is a real treasure of a conversation piece.
19
A MUSASHI DAIJO KOREKAZU KATANA
signed, edo period (circa shoho era: 1644-1648)
Location:
Musashi, Edo (Tokyo)
Length:
68.7cm
Curvature:
1.8cm
Hamon:
Daichoji Midare (large waves and cloves)
Certificate:
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (A sword especially worthy of preserving
issued by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Vintage koshirae, shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag,
sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$40,000
Korekazu was one of the very greatest swordsmiths during the Shinto era (16th to 17th
centuries). Korekazu was a member of the Ishido school and eventually became the
finest swordsmith of the Edo Ishido school about 350 years ago.
The Ishido School originated at the Sekido Temple in Omi Province around the Kanei
period (1624). From there the smiths went to various sections of the country to found
branch Ishido schools.
Some went to Kii Province and came to be known as the Kishi Ishido. Later
Tameyasu led this group to Osaka. Others went to Edo, the most famous of these
being Ishido Musashi Korekazu who forged this sword.
The Ishido school smiths were best known for their ability to make swords in the
Bizen tradition of the Ichimonji School. They were well known for their hamon,
which was a robust choji midare, which sometimes reached the shinogi.
A spectacular tachi koshirae (~400 years old) mounts this ultimate katana.
20
A HIZEN KAWACHI NO MASAHIRO KATANA
signed, edo period (kanbun era, circa 1661-1673)
Location:
Hizen province (present day Saga prefecture)
Length:
70.5cm
Curvature:
1.4cm
Hamon:
Gunome Midare with Choji
Certificate:
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (A sword worthy of preserving issued by
the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Koshirae, Shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork
$31,500
Masahiro was prolific at the gunome hamon (wavy semi circled temper line) with choji
(clove designs) even though majority of Hizen swordsmiths from Kyushu were
famous for their suguha (straight temper line) works.
This is a classic Kanbun Shinto sword in every respect where the blade tapers nicely
to the point at a length of 70cm. It was made about 350 years ago.
Accompanied by a certificate of registration as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token [Sword
especially worthy of preservation].
Born in 1607 Masahiro was the son of Yoshinobu, first named Sadenjiro and then
Yashichibei. He worked originally as a sword smith under the name Masanaga. He
signed with the name Masahiro from 1625, and given the title Kawachi Daijo in 1628.
He died in 1665 at the age of 59. Several generations with the name Masahiro
followed, the second and third also being entitled Kawachi Daijo.
The outstanding koshirae (mounting) to this sword tells many stories. The tsuka (hilt)
is made from a whale, which is very rare.
21
AN OSAFUNE SUKESADA KATANA
signed + dated, 17th of eisho (February 1520)
Location:
Bizen province (present day Okayama prefecture)
Length:
63.3cm
Curvature:
2.4cm
Hamon:
Gunome Midare
Certificate:
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho (Both sword AND koshirae designated
especially precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
Koshirae, Shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork
$30,000
The desired Sayagaki (sumi-e writing on Shirasaya attesting to authenticity) was
written by Honami Sensei from 6th of Heisei (1994) reads: "This sword was made by
the first generation of 彦兵衛祐定 (Hikobei Sukesada) in his later years.”
Hikobei is Sukesada’s given name, and Bishu Osafune Sukesada is the name he
was known as a swordsmith 500 years ago.
The koshirae (mounting) is certified as especially precious. The tsuba (guard) is
made out of iron and its design represents the good fortunes of Shougatsu
(Japanese New year).
The fuchi (collar) and menuki (ornamental grips) are expertly crafted depictions of
seashells.
A powerful gunome midare hamon (large wavy white hamon) evokes the feelings
and power of the ocean.
22
A MASASUKE KATANA signed, late muromachi period (tenbun era: 1532-1555)
Swordsmith:
Location:
Length:
Curvature:
Hamon:
Certificate:
Included:
Bishu Mihara Ju Masasuke Saku (備州三原住正佐作)
Bizen province (West side of Okayama prefecture)
65.1cm
1.9cm
In Mihara style which has Suguha with Nie and Komidare
Sayagaki (signed and dated shirasaya) by Kanzan Sensei
Koshirae, signed shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance
kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$8,250
Behold an impressive 450 year-old katana from Bizen, capital of sword making in
Japan. The shirasaya is signed by Kanzan authenticating the blade to Masasuke.
The Mihara school of sword makers has long been considered to be more
conservative, keeping old traditions alive that focused on the craft of making truly
resilient swords that the Samurai could rely on.
The marvelously understated suguha hamon (straight temper line) is how swords
were made in the 12th century when techniques were first being mastered.
The tsuba (guard) is signed by respected 生雲軒永秀作 (Seiunken Eishu Saku). Eishu's
real name was 土屋新助 (Tsuchiya Shinsuke). He was a student of 3rd generation of
Yasuchika, and first studied under the great Iwamoto Konkan.
A wave and dragon inspired fuchi-kashira (collar/pommel) is made out of lovely
shakudo (gold/copper bullion). Look for the shakudo horse on the hilt too.
A tiger, bamboo, and waterfall relief makes up the elements on the tsuba, all of which
are symbols of life and good health. This is a katana to be most proud of.
23
A BIZEN TAKAMITSU WAKIZASHI signed, late muromachi period (eisho era: 1504-1520)
Swordsmith:
Bizen kuni Ju Osafune Takamitsu (備前国住長船貴光)
Location:
Bizen province (present day Okayama prefecture)
Length:
58.8cm
Curvature:
2.1cm
Hamon:
Gunome Choji with Kani no Tsume (waves with crab claws)
Included:
Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit,
printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$6,980
500 years ago, during the Late Muromachi period saw the rise of Katate-uchi, swords
such as this one, meant for one-handed use on the battle field featuring a heavy
curvature.
Brutal fighting existed in the Sengoku Jidai at the end of the 16th century that
culminated in the dawn of the Edo Period in around 1600.
Although this sword is technically registered as a wakizashi, this was most
definitely a katana, originally crafted at a length of approximately 62cm.
Takamitsu was a respected swordsmith holding rank with the likes of Sukesada who
also excelled in this type of katana. The gorgeous hamon (temper line) that features
crab claws is typical of the artistry that defined Bizen sword making.
The Handachi Koshirae (half-tachi mounting) is from Edo period and the length
reflects that of a katana too.
Elements of the exquisite mounting include plant and flower designed clasps (for
long health) mixed with a dragon menuki (ornament under the silk hilt) and a
chrysanthemum-designed tsuba (guard).
24
A FUYUHIRO TACHI
unsigned, muromachi period (tenbun era: 1532-1555)
Swordsmith:
Jakushu Fuyuhiro
Length:
71.6cm
Curvature:
2.0cm
Hamon:
Gunome Midare with Choji and Hitatsura and Sunagashi
Certificate:
NTHK Kanteisho (A sword designated as Authentic by the Society
for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword) Included:
NTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance
kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services
$16,250
Originally crafted as a tachi (a sword meant for battles on horseback), this
majestically curved sword made 460+ years ago was shortened to a katana length.
This was a common as fighting styles changed over the centuries.
Although the sword was judged by the NTHK as being from the Tenbun Period, in
the early 16th century, the sword carries all the hallmarks of a blade forged in the
14th century during the infamous Nambokucho period (1333-1392).
Soshu Fuyuhiro moved to Wakasa no Kuni (Currently in Fukui prefecture), which is
when he began to sign his swords as Jakushu Fuyuhiro.
The hamon is truly magnificent; carrying with it desired elements such as sunagashi.
The koshirae (mounts) are made as a katana set. All clasps are Higo Kinzogan – a type
of Damascening from Higo (Kumamoto prefecture).
The kojiri (tip of scabbard) is of a dragon motif, he menuki is a plum tree, tsuba is
bamboo and the saya itself encompasses a turtle shell design signifying long life.
25
A HITATSURA WAKIZASHI
unsigned, muromachi period (circa 1500-1550)
Swordsmith:
Sue-Seki School
Location:
Town of Seki in Mino province (Gifu prefecture)
Length:
32.1cm
Curvature:
0.1cm
Hamon:
Hitatsura (a rare full temper with spots of tobiyaki)
Certificate:
NBTHK Hozon (A sword worthy of preserving issued by the Society
for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
Included:
NBTHK certificate, koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand,
maintenance kit, DVD, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork
$4,440
This remarkable 500-year old wakizashi has a very distinctive look that is called a
hitatsura hamon (full temper with tobiyaki spots over the blade). It is a superb
example of heating the sword to extremely high temperatures, helping to make the
sword remarkably sharp and visually stunning.
This is a technique that was first perfected by the Soshu tradition in the 13th and 14th
centuries in the Kamakura area when the great sword smith Masamune lived.
The charming Edo-period koshirae menuki (tiny ornamental grips under the silk
handle) are a collage of fern leaves, oranges, and lobsters that represent good
fortune and lead to a long and fruitful life.
Mino-province swords were famous for their sharpness and beauty. This is one very
enviable sword offered at a great price.