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Hamon : Nioi deki suguha. The nioiguchi is thick and luminous. There are many ko gunome formations mixed in and the hamon is packed with hataraki. The activities fill the hamon and reach to the edge of the ha. Ashi, yo, sunagashi, inazuma and kinsuji are all abundant.
Boshi : Pointed o maru with a medium kaeri on the omote. The ura is slightly midare komi with with a medium kaeri.
Kitae : Itame and mokume hada mixed together. There is clear, light midare utsuri on both sides. The jigane is very prominent and has a nagareru (flowing) feeling overall.
About this sword : This a fine example of Koto Bizen workmanship for the age of waring sates. The Kiyomitsu group of Sue Bizen smiths are quite well known for their battle proven suguha and this blade is a text book example. This sword conveys a strong feeling when one views it "hands on". The large kissaki and overall excellent health of the blade contribute to this. This is blade offers a lot to see and is the kind of old solider that you never get tired of admiring. Especially the hataraki in the hamon and midare utsuri are quite wonderful. The blade is in good old polish with minor rubs and surface marks, it does not need restoration. We should aslo note that this blade bears the so called "Koku Ju" mei. Often times, sue Bizen blades that are singed "Koku Ju", are superior quality- as is this example.
This katana is accompanied by an antique koshirae. The tuska has nice old gold colored ito with iron Mito school fuchi kashira of a cloud dragon. The menuki are nice gold wash over copper Yokoya Somin style Shi shi dogs with nice detail. Please note the circles of hair on the dog's head. This is called "hada-makige", and was initially used by Yokoya Somin. This is a kantei point to identify works of Somin, members of his school and those who emulated his work. The tsuba looks to be an Owari example from early Edo period. The saya has been restored in the states. It is in good order, fits the blade well and features horn furniture.
This is a healthy, well-made, signed and dated Koto Bizen sword. It has a nice koshirae and is accompanied by a NBTHK Hozon Paper. Such an example is highly sought after and this one is attractively priced. We are delighted to recommend this Kiyomitsu katana.
Price: $8,500
Price: $7,500
