A Bitchu Katana

NANBOKUCHO PERIOD (14TH CENTURY), ATTRIBUTED TO THE AOE SCHOOL

Details

A Bitchu Katana
Nanbokucho period (14th century), attributed to the Aoe school
Sugata [configuration]: hon-zukuri, iori-mune, chu-kissaki, shallow torii-zori
Kitae [forging pattern]: itame mixed with mokume in jiniei and Aoe utsuri
Hamon [tempering pattern]: saka-choji gunome in inlets with saka-ashi and yo, rich, deep nioi
Boshi [tip]: midarekomi with a pointed turnback
Horimono [carving]: bo-hi ni tsure-hi on the omote, futasu-bi on the ura
Nakago [tang]: o-suriage re-formated kurijiri with katte sagari file marks, three holes
Habaki [collar]: single, gold
Nagasa [length from tip to beginning of tang]: 26½in (67.3cm.) long
Motohaba [width at start of tempered edge]: 1 3/8in. (3.5cm.)
Sakihaba [width before tip]: 1in. (2.5cm.)

In shirasaya [plain wood storage scabbard] with additional shirasaya with inscription by Sato Kanzan (1907-1978)

With a certificate of registration designating this sword as the 25th Tokubetsu juyo token (Especially important sword) issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), dated 1975.10.29

Provenance

Sugiyama Ken'ichiro, Shizuoka
The Yoneda family of Higo province, by repute

Lot Essay

There are two main features that define swords in the Aoe tradition. One such hallmark, present in this blade, is a forging pattern that later came to be known as namazu-hada ("catfish" steel), a rough and fine jinie steel mixed together so it appears as a spotted surface. The other is the straight tempering pattern, frequently with 'legs' (ashi) and later, sharply slanting 'legs' (saka ashi) with some small clove (choji) or irregular patterns (saka choji). The gentle notare hamon mixed with the bright saka choji midare seen on this blade is typical of Nanbokucho-period Aoe blades.

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