Ordering Number: AS23382

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Sagami no Kami Fujiwara Kunitsuna
Resident of Echizen
相模守藤原国綱
越前住

Shinto: Chūsaku: Echizen
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Sagami no Kami Fujiwara Kunitsuna.
Habaki: Single silver habaki.
Blade Length: 81.8 cm (32.20 in).
Curvature: 0.91 cm (0.36 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.32 cm (1.31 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.03 cm (0.80 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.80 cm (0.31 in).
Sword Weight: 955 g.
Era: Around the Kanbun era (1661–1673), Edo period.
Shape: A long katana with a wide mihaba, thick kasane, shallow curvature, and a slightly elongated kissaki. A small portion of the original cutting edge remains, indicating a healthy blade. The blade has generous hiraniku, giving the surface a full, clam-shell-like appearance.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with the grain clearly visible.
Hamon: Nie-deki with a relaxed gunome-midare resembling rolling ocean waves. The nioiguchi is deep, with fine kinsuji appearing throughout. The boshi turns back in a rounded form.

Features: Sagami no Kami Fujiwara Kunitsuna was a swordsmith of the Echizen Shimosaka school, also known as Tahyōe no Jō. He also produced swords in eastern Japan. This is an excellent long blade with a bright, vividly tempered edge.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with a landscape design inlaid in brass.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo.
Saya (Scabbard): Red and black striped lacquered saya.
Menuki: Sword and Sanskrit character motifs.

Aoi Art’s Comment: It is unusual to find such a long katana that still retains part of its original cutting edge. The distinctive striped saya would undoubtedly have attracted attention in its day. This sword has clearly been well cared for over the years and is a highly recommended example.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:750,000JPY

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