Katana - Mumei(No Signature) - NBTHK Hozon Certificate(Ietsugu) - Shirasaya - Ubu Nakago - Koto Era - Chiba 22768
This is a magnificent katana, unsigned yet authenticated in May 2023 by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords as a genuine Kashu Ietsugu, with a certificate of authenticity issued.
Considering its age, the blade's condition is relatively good, showing no nicks, chips, or rust, though it bears several homare marks—traces of use. The jigane features well-forged itame grain mixed with masame, displaying very active patterns like yubashiri and chikei. Furthermore, utsuuri, characteristic of Bizen katanas, is also visible. The hamon, a gunome pattern with nitedeki, incorporates midare and choji, showcasing numerous patterns like sunagashi, ashi, yo, and tama, making it highly rewarding to appreciate.
The beautiful koshizori with its pronounced hump evokes the tachi swords of earlier eras, suggesting exceptional cutting performance. Though the nakago is unsigned, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords has attributed this work to Kashu Ietsugu based on its form and characteristics.
Kashu Ietsugu was a school of swordsmiths active in Kaga Province (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture) during the Muromachi period. They produced exceptional, sharp-cutting swords resembling the style of Bitchu Aoe, leading their works to also be called Kaga Aoe. The first generation of Ietsugu appeared during the Oei era, and the lineage continued through the late Muromachi period. Recognizing this piece as highly worthy of preservation for future generations, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords issued its certificate of authentication in May 2023.
Yet, Tozando is now offering it at a very accessible price. Fans of Katana from the Koto period never want to miss this.
- Blade length: 68.6 cm
- Curvature: 2.7 cm
- Number of Mekugi hole: 2
- Sakihaba: 16.8 mm
- Sakikasane: 2.9 mm
- Motohaba: 28.2 mm
- Motokasane: 6.1 mm
- Signature: No signature
- Era: Koto
- Structure: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune
- Jigane: Itame with Masame
- Hamon: Gunome
- Boshi: Notarete Haitte Omaru ni Kaeru
- Weight: 590 g(blade only)
- Nakago: Ubu
- Koshirae: Shirasaya
- Original Registration No.: Chiba 22768
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