Ordering number:23804
Katana in Shirasaya(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Consignment Sale)
Signature: Chikakage (Bizen Kuni Osafune Chikakage)
銘：近景(備前国長船近景).
Sayagaki by Mr Tanobe sensei.
Bizen no Kuni Osafune Chikakage- Sanage Two-character Famous Sword. Originally, during the lifetime of the maker, it had a blade length of about 2 shaku 6 sun 7 bu, with a regular sori and small kissaki (point), showing a distinctive shape with a thick kasane (thickness) at the waist. The shape is characterized by small itame-hada (wood grain pattern) with mixed-inclusions of itamehada ko-chôji (small clove-shaped patterns), and
small gunome (zigzag patterns). At first glance, it resembles the work of his master Kagemitsu. However, the ji (surface steel) reveals its individuality in the form of ko-nie small martensite particles) and a small midare-utsuri (irregular shadow). The two-
character mei (signature) on the nakago (tang) is rare, and the length of the blade is 2 shaku 3 sun 4 bu. Reiwa Kinoe-doshi Matsukaze-tsuchi (year of manufacture) with Kao
(cursive monogram).
Daimyo Registration: Chiba Prefecture 5787, March 21, Showa 26 (1951)
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Jyojyo saku ranking.
Habaki: Shakudo single
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 3 bu 5 rin (70.76 cm) or 27.85 inches.
Sori (curvature): 5 bu (1.515 cm) or 0.59 inches.
Meki-ana (peg holes): 3
Motokasane (width at base): 2.8 cm or 1.10 inches.
Sakikasane (width at tip): 1.73 cm or 0.68 inches.
Kasane (thickness): 0.67 cm or 0.26 inches.
Sword Weight: 640 grams
Era: Kamakura Period, around Gen’o Era 1319
Shape: The signature is fully visible in the body area with a refined inscription.
Jigane: The jigane (surface steel) has a well-formed small itame-hada pattern and shows excellent hadori (visible grain pattern). Hamon: The hamon (temper line) has small ashi (feet) that become larger as they go towards the monouchi (tempered edge). There are bo-hi (fuller grooves) on both sides, and on the cutting edge, the hamon continues and becomes sunagashi (lines like flowing sand) and kinsuji (golden lines) finely appear in the ji.
Characteristics:Kagemitsu, Among the works of Chikakage, those with a clear itame-hada pattern are referred to as Chikakage. His works are known for having a prominent hada and being close to Moto-shige. They are considered to be highly enjoyable and versatile pieces. Although two-character mei “Chikakage” is relatively rare, among various long-lasting works such as those made in Bizen and Bizen no Kuni, there are also two-character mei “Chikakage” works. These famous old swords were likely owned by daimyo(feudal lords). The scabbard inscription was drawn by Mr. Tanabe and contains valuable opinions.
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