Japanese Sword , Katana , Sword Fitting New

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Katana:(Kiku mon) Dewa Kami Hōkyō Minamoto Mitsuhira (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS24314

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: (Kiku mon) Dewa Kami Hōkyō Minamoto Mitsuhira
(菊紋)出羽守法橋源光平

We divide four sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of (Kikumon) Dewa no Kami Hōkyō Minamoto Mitsuhira.
Habaki: Silver foiled single Habaki.
Blade Length: 76.0 cm (29.92 in)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 4.15 cm (1.63 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.34 cm (0.92 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.33cm (0.84 in)
Sword Weight: 940 g (2.07 lbs)
Era: Around the Kanbun era, Edo period
Shape:A long blade with a slightly deep curvature, and an extended tip.
Jigane:Well-forged Ko-Itame (small wood grain pattern) with faint Utsuri appearing.
Hamon:Nie-deki with Chōji-ba. The pattern has high and low variations, forming a mix of Chōji-midare and Gonome-midare, with Shinogi-ji visible. The Bōshi extends slightly, making it an impressive piece.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
The blade length of 76 cm is long, with a slightly shallow curvature and an Utsuri appearance. The tip is long and robust, making it a well-preserved work of Mitsuhira.

Mitsuhira, also known as Taisin Hōkkyō Minamoto Mitsuhira or Dewa Nyūdō Taisin Hōkkyō Minamoto Mitsuhira, was born in Gōshū Gamō District and later moved to Edo. He was highly skilled in forging Ichimonji-style blades with Chōji-midare, which became his specialty. Many of his works were later shortened (suriage) and signed off as Mumei, often being passed off as old swords (Koto).
A notable characteristic of his work is the Shinogi-ji showing a Masame pattern. Since this blade is a Kanbun Shinto, careful observation can reveal differences between Koto and Shinto works.
This long-signed Jyojyo Saku piece is a rare find today. It has bright and clear tempering, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship.
Mitsuhira was the eldest son of Yamashiro no Kami Ippō of Kyō Ishidō in Ōmi Province. He moved from Kyoto to Edo during the Shōhō era and, along with Shodai Kazunori, specialized in Bizen-den Chōji-ba, contributing to the Edo Ishidō school's development. He is believed to have produced a considerable number of swords over approximately 40 years, but few remain today due to many being suriage, polished, or altered into Koto-style swords.
A masterpiece by Mitsuhira is recorded on page 722 of the Shinshinto Taikan. This sword was originally part of a Daisho set, and a similar signed piece, inscribed "Made in Matsushiro, Shinshū", was found and purchased by me in the United States. I fondly recall a meal shared with an elderly gentleman and his son when acquiring that piece.
Historical accounts suggest that swordsmiths like Tsushima no Kami Tsunemitsu, Echizen no Kami Munemitsu, and Ishidō Kazunori collaborated to recreate Ichimonji-style blades. These craftsmen moved from Ōmi to Kyoto and then Edo, forming a major school of Ichimonji-style works. However, due to their fame, many of their blades were altered and passed off as Koto Ichimonji swords.
This sword is an exceptionally well-made piece, closely resembling Ichimonji works in both Hamon and length (76 cm). It is a well-preserved, healthy blade.
We highly recommend this masterpiece for collectors, as it is a rare find that may never appear again.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token(*will be issued later)
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:2,500,000JPY

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